Rabies is a disease of viral origin that, although it is commonly associated with dogs, can be contracted by any mammalincluding us humans and also cats.
It is very dangerous, so it is important to detect the first symptoms to avoid new infections. If you don't know what they are, don't worry. Here we will tell you how to know if my cat has rabies.
What is rabies?
The affected rabies virus is normally transmitted after the bite of an infected animal. Once it is inside the body it goes directly to the nervous system of its victim, which will attack severely inflaming the brain. Thus, one of the first symptoms that you will notice are the sudden behavior changes. A cat that has been sociable throughout its life will go on to have violent, aggressive reactions.
This may be the worst stage, but the truth is that if it is not treated after a while (about 3-4 weeks depending on the age of the animal) it will go to the next, during which more serious symptoms such as seizures, extreme stillness o Confusion. If it is allowed to pass, the life of the animal is in serious danger, since the virus will have damaged the control system of the vital functions of the feline.
Rabies prevention
Unfortunately, we cannot talk about treatment because there is no cure. He acts very fast and always has the same tragic ending. So much so, that the diagnosis of rabies is made in most cases when the animal has already died. But fortunately, we can prevent it, giving him the corresponding vaccine from 6 months of age and subsequent annual booster vaccines.
Another thing that can be done is prevent you from going outside at night to decrease the chances that an infected cat will catch it. Why at night? Well, cats are nocturnal animals, so the chances of you meeting one of their kind in the moonlight are much higher than during the day.
Rabies is a very dangerous disease, but it can be easily prevented by getting the appropriate vaccine. 🙂