Signs of a Rabid Cat and What to Do If Your Pet Is Exposed

Rabies is a completely preventable disease that's caused by a virus, which works by attacking the brain and spinal cord of mammals. Cases of rabies have been reported in every state in the United States except for Hawaii, which has strict quarantine rules to keep the virus off the islands. Worldwide, rabies is responsible for the deaths of an estimated 59,000 humans each year, according to the CDC.

In the U.S., rabies is often harbored by wild carnivores, such as raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks — but it can be seen in any mammal. Rabies is reported more often in areas with large numbers of unvaccinated feral cats or dogs. Cats are the domestic species most commonly reported with the disease in the U.S.

Rabies is most commonly transmitted through the bite of a rabid cat or any mammal that has contracted the virus. The saliva of infected mammals is contagious. Rabies can also be transmitted if the saliva of an infected animal comes in contact with an open wound or mucous membranes, such as gums.

After exposure to rabies, a cat will not immediately show signs. In fact, the time it takes for symptoms to present usually varies from three to eight weeks; however, it can be as short as 10 days and as long as a year.

The rate at which signs manifest depends on the site of infection (the closer the bite was to the brain and spinal cord, the faster symptoms will develop), if the virus was present in the saliva of the infected animal at the time of the bite (it isn't always present), and how severe the bite is.

Rabies can only be diagnosed by testing the brain tissue of a deceased mammal. If an animal that dies or is euthanized is suspected to have rabies, a veterinarian will remove the brain and conduct a direct antibody test for rabies.

Rabies can easily be prevented in cats through routine vaccination and keeping them indoors. In most states, rabies vaccination is required by law for all cats.

After the first administration, your cat will receive the vaccine again a year later, and after that, once every three years. You will receive a rabies tag and certificate with the vaccination — keep this because you will need it to register your cat.

If you think a wild animal or your cat has rabies, do not approach them. Protect yourself. Call your local animal control division to get recommendations. Most likely, animal control will come get the animal and advise you on the best next steps.

While the easiest way to protect your cat is to keep them indoors, some cats like to make a break for it every now and then. If you have a backyard, create a protected enclosure for them to roam safely in. And if you do let your cat outside, consider keeping them on a leash.

While there is no cure once the signs of rabies in cats develop, you can take measures to prevent this disease from affecting your pet.