Rabies in Cats

What is Rabies?

Rabies is transmitted by a virus and is one of the most devastating disease affecting warm blooded animals which include cats and humans. It is almost always fatal. Australia is currently declared rabies-free. Cats travelling overseas to countries with rabies should be given vaccination/s against it. Australia does have Lyssavirus however, which is a rabies-like virus carried by bats.

How is rabies transmitted?

The disease is usually transmitted by the bite of an infected animal. It is a disease of antiquity, the danger from the bite of a mad dog was known even in the 23rd century BC.

How widespread is Rabies?

Rabies occurs in every continent with the exception of Australia and Antarctica. Most countries are affected with the exception of a few that are islands or almost islands. These include New Zealand, Great Britain, Ireland, Japan, Norway and Sweden and the Iberian Peninsula.

How is the virus transmitted?

Rabies virus does not survive long outside the body. The infection is maintained by infected animals biting others. In Europe foxes are the main reservoir while in North America the skunk, raccoon and bat are important. In Asia, Africa and Latin America the main reservoir is not wild life but stray, free living dogs. In these areas infection of man is more common.

How long is the incubation period?

This can vary from 5 days to 12 months or even more. Incubation in the cat is generally less than in the dog and is usually less than three months. Death usually occurs within 14 days from the first onset of signs. The speed at which clinical signs develop depends upon:-

• The site of infection, the nearer the bite is to the brain and spinal cord, the quicker the virus reaches the nervous tissue
• The severity of the bite
• The amount of virus injected by the bite

What are the clinical signs?

Following a bite or scratch from a rabid animal, the disease progresses in stages. In the first or prodromal stage, there is a marked change in temperament, quiet cats become agitated and can be aggressive and active extroverts will become nervous or shy. This is then followed by so-called furious rabies which is by far the most common type in the cat. During this the excitement stage predominates and it is at this stage the cat is most dangerous, both to other animals and to the owner. It frequently becomes increasingly nervous, irritable and very vicious. Muscle spasms will often prevent swallowing. The third stage is the paralytic stage, which usually occurs after about 7 days. Ultimately the cat will become comatose and die.

"Following a bite or scratch from a rabid animal,
the disease progresses in stages."

A noted feature of the condition in cats is the widely dilated pupil throughout all stages of the disease.

Is it possible to survive a bite from a rabid animal?

There are isolated reports of both dogs and people surviving but without vaccination the chances are poor.

Is vaccination effective?

Vaccination promotes the production of antibodies but these are only effective before the virus enters the nervous system. It is therefore essential to ensure that if exposed to risk the level of circulating antibodies in the subject is adequate before exposure. Regular booster vaccinations should be given as recommended by the vaccine manufacturer.

What is the treatment?

There is no treatment for a cat with rabies. If rabies is suspected the cat has to be kept in isolation and prevented from escaping or injuring someone and appropriate government notified. If the cat has not died it will then be put to sleep and a post mortem carried out.

Can I catch rabies?

Yes, the disease is zoonotic, i.e. can be transmitted to human. However it is only transmitted by the bite of a rabid animal. The virus is present in the saliva of the infected animal only for a limited time.

If you are bitten by any animal that may be suspect, i.e. stray or feral dogs abroad, etc. you should immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and then seek the advice of a doctor without delay.

Post exposure rabies treatment with serum or vaccine may be recommended and is very successful if commenced without delay.

Is it possible to arrange vaccination of my cat?

Rabies vaccination is now available for any animal going to at-risk areas of the world and must be administered by a vets who are accredited by the government to prepare animals to go overseas. We would strongly recommend this if you intend to take your cat to Europe, South East Asia or North America. In Australia, specific veterinarians have licenses to vaccinate pets before overseas travel.