Feline Rabies
Rabies is a viral disease that causes infection of the peripheral and central and nervous systems. The virus is transmissible between many species including domesticated and wild mammals, along with humans. It is therefore considered a zoonosis. More than 55,000 people die annually worldwide from the disease each year according to the World Health Organization (WHO), though these numbers are likely under-representative. The virus is generally carried by wildlife reservoirs that vary based on the geographic region and can include animals such as skunks, bats, raccoons, foxes, along with feral dogs and cats.
How is rabies contracted?
The virus most commonly enters the body through inoculation via a bite wound.
Clinical signs of rabies in cats
While rabies virus infection is commonly divided into two different clinical presentations known as furious and paralytic, the course of clinical signs in cats often overlaps, or can be atypical. Changes in behavior such as aggression or restlessness are often one of the first signs to be seen. Sometimes this is accompanied by muscle tremors, fever, weakness or incoordination. In cats, such signs often last only for a period of 1-2 days.
As the viral infection progresses, muscle paralysis develops which may be accompanied by increased vocalizations or change in voice, followed by death.
Treatment
Post-exposure treatment is not recommended or sanctioned for animals in most countries. Clinically healthy cats with suspected rabies virus exposure should be overseen as recommended by local authorities; contact your veterinarian or state health department for more information.
Rabies in humans can be life threatening, and a health care professional should be contacted immediately if rabies exposure in a human is suspected.
Prevention
Rabies can be effectively prevented through vaccination. General guidelines state that cats should be vaccinated with an initial rabies vaccine at 3 months of age, revaccinated in 1 year, and thereafter every 1-3 years depending on the product guidelines and local requirements. Consult your veterinarian to confirm these guidelines. Animals that are too young to be vaccinated should be kept indoors to minimize their risk of exposure.
Testing for rabies
Definitive diagnosis of rabies is performed through post-mortem testing via immunofluorescent antibody testing.
Online resources
Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery – Fact Sheet
This Disease Information Fact Sheet accompanies the 2013 AAFP Feline Vaccination Advisory Panel Report published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery (2013), Volume 15, pp 785–808.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) produces an online database on a variety of diseases that pet owners should be aware of, and includes more information about limiting pet and pet owners’ exposure to these diseases, including rabies.
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) is the organization responsible for improving animal health at a global level. Their site contains information about rabies, worldwide rabies outbreaks, and information on prevention and transmission.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is the coordinating authority for health within the United Nations, and provides information more specifically geared towards human rabies prevention, symptoms, treatment and control.