Can Cats Get Rabies? Exploring the Possibility

The Truth About Cats and Rabies: What Every Pet Owner Should Know

You wonder if cats can get rabies, which we think is only seen in dogs. Without further ado: Yes, cats can get rabies. Rabies is a serious and often fatal viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals, including cats.

The rabies virus is transmitted mainly by bite since it is concentrated in the saliva of carrier animals. On the other hand, it does not pass the barrier of the skin if this one does not present a lesion. In this way, it can also be transmitted by scratching or by clicking on scratched or injured skin. In the external environment, the virus is not very resistant and easy to eliminate using disinfectants. But once it has penetrated an organism, it will inevitably go back to the brain after an incubation period of 15 to 30 days in cats.

Rabies in Cats: What Are the Symptoms?

Symptoms of rabies in cats can vary but typically include behavioral changes, such as aggression, restlessness, and disorientation, as well as physical symptoms, like drooling, paralysis, and seizures. Once symptoms appear, there is no known cure for rabies, and the disease is almost always fatal.

The incubation period varies from 2 weeks to a month. It can sometimes last several months, rarely several years. The rabies virus then spreads through the body. Neurotropic virus, it affects the nervous system and attacks neurons. It first invades the salivary glands.

Cat Rabies Manifests Itself in a Furious or Silent Form:

In the furious form of rabies, the cat very quickly becomes nervous and restless, even aggressive. Hypersalivation and drooling are the most visible early signs of this nerve disease. Gradually, the animal becomes mad. Permanent state of alert, light and short sleep, intense meowing, hallucinations, aggressive reactions, fits of rage, staggering follow one another over the days until paralysis. Out of fear, the cat can throw itself on any individual or animal and bite violently.

The mute form of cat rabies results in progressive paralysis. First the jaw, then the face, then the limbs and finally the respiratory system. The cat exhibits convulsions, tremors and muscle twitches.
Sometimes the owner may not know that his animal has been carrying rabies. The cat feeling this terrible disease takes refuge in a quiet and dark place to die alone.

Cat rabies is an incurable disease. In the case of a furious form, the cat dies in 3 to 6 days after the first symptom. In the mute form, it dies in 4 to 8 days by respiratory arrest.

Symptoms of rabies in cats can vary but typically include behavioral changes, such as aggression, restlessness, and disorientation, as well as physical symptoms, like drooling, paralysis, and seizures. Once symptoms appear, there is no known cure for rabies, and the disease is almost always fatal.

Do Cats Need Rabies Vaccinations?

The best way to protect your cat from rabies is to make sure they are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations. Vaccinations can help prevent your cat from contracting the virus and spreading it to other animals or humans.

It's important to remember that rabies is a serious disease, and prevention is the key to keeping your cat safe. Make sure your cat receives regular veterinary care and is vaccinated against rabies as recommended by your vet. By taking these precautions, you can help protect your furry friend and keep them healthy for years to come.

Protecting Your Furry Friend: Understanding the Dangers of Rabies in Cats

In addition to vaccination, there are other steps you can take to help prevent your cat from contracting rabies. One of the most important is to keep your cat indoors, as outdoor cats are more likely to come into contact with wild animals that may be infected with rabies.

If you do allow your cat outside, be sure to supervise them and keep them on a leash or within a fenced-in area. It's also a good idea to keep your yard free of trash or food that may attract wild animals, and to seal up any holes or gaps in your home or garage where bats or other animals may enter.

It's worth noting that the risk of a cat contracting rabies may vary depending on where you live. In some areas, the risk of exposure to rabies may be higher, particularly if there are known cases of the virus in the local wildlife population.


It's important to note that rabies is a zoonotic disease, which means it can be transmitted from animals to humans. If your cat has been diagnosed with rabies or has come into contact with a wild animal that may have rabies, it's important to take precautions to protect yourself and others in your household.

If you suspect your cat may have been exposed to rabies, do not attempt to handle or capture them yourself. Instead, contact your veterinarian or local animal control authorities for assistance. If you do need to handle your cat, be sure to wear protective gloves and clothing, and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water afterwards.

Remember that rabies can be transmitted to humans, so it's important to take precautions when handling or coming into contact with wild animals, especially those that appear sick or aggressive.

It's also important to be aware of the symptoms of rabies in humans, which may include fever, headache, muscle weakness, and other flu-like symptoms, followed by more serious neurological symptoms. If you suspect that you or someone in your household may have been exposed to rabies, seek medical attention immediately.