Not only dogs, rabies can also occur in cats. Therefore, it is important for every cat lover to recognize the indications of rabies in cats so that your favorite animal can be treated quickly and you are also free from the transmission of inflammation that can occur.
Although it is often called a mad dog disease, it seems that rabies does not only affect dogs. This disease can also affect various types of mammals, including cats. Cats usually contract rabies through the bite of an infected wild animal, such as a raccoon, skunk, bat, dog, or fox.
3 Indications of Rabies in Cats
The virus that triggers rabies can attack the central nervous system or brain, so it can have serious consequences for infected animals or people. This disease is also categorized as risky because it cannot be recovered.
There are several indications of rabies in cats that you need to know, including:
Behavior change
If the cat displays an extreme and sudden change in behavior, this is something you should be wary of because it can be one of the characteristics of a rabid cat. For example, cats who are usually quiet become very excited and anxious or who are generally cheerful suddenly become weak and aloof.
A sudden loss of appetite and a change in cat-to-human behavior, such as being rude and not wanting to interact with other people, are also signs of rabies in cats that need to be watched out for.
Nerve Constraints
Rabies can affect the brain and nervous system, giving rise to indications related to this problem. Rabies cats will usually display indications such as not being able to tolerate noise, avoiding bright light, convulsions, fainting, difficulty walking, or difficulty moving.
Nervous and brain problems also make cats unable to identify humans in close proximity, so they can’t control their behavior. When it has hit the cat’s brain, rabies can cause the cat to like to bite or scratch.
Excessive salivation
The identity of the next rabid cat is a lot of drooling from the mouth. This is due to the formation of paralysis of the muscles of the esophagus and jaw due to damage to the nerves and brain.
To avoid transmitting rabies to your cat, give the rabies vaccine as early as 8 weeks of age. Rabies vaccination is tried once a year to protect cats from inflammation of the virus that causes rabies. This cat vaccine can be found in various veterinary clinics.
Rabies is categorized as a zoonotic disease, which is a disease from animals that can spread to humans. Therefore, if you are bitten by a cat that has signs of rabies, immediately undergo initial aid by washing the bite injury thoroughly with soap and running water.
Next, check your condition with a doctor for further help. You will generally be advised to immediately carry out a rabies vaccination. Rabies is a serious disease, but it can be prevented through vaccination.
Such are some indications of rabies in cats. If your cat begins to display the identity as mentioned above, immediately consult a veterinarian for medical help.