can a cat get rabies

Rabies is a viral disease that can infect all warm-blooded animals, including cats and people, although some species are somewhat naturally resistant to the disease. When signs of rabies occur, it is an almost invariably fatal disease. Rabies has been recognized and described since approximately 2300 BC.

How Can a Cat Get Rabies?

In the United States, rabies is uncommon in domestic animals. To stop the spread of rabies in cats, dogs, and other animals, the majority of states have laws requiring vaccinations. The most recent year for which data is available, 2018, saw just 241 cases of rabies in cats, according to the CDC.

When a cat does contract rabies, it usually happens as a result of a wild animal bite. Raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes are common rabies carriers. Your cat’s risk of infection increases with the amount of time they spend around wild animals. Â.

Is rabies a common virus among cats?

Since most states have laws requiring vaccination against rabies, the virus is largely under control. Precautions should always be followed even though the risk is lower at this moment but it is still possible. Cats typically contract rabies from being bitten by a wild animal, but even indoor cats can contract the disease from infected rodents that can enter your home and infect your cat. Even if your cat has received vaccinations, we advise contacting your veterinarian if you think they may have been bitten by another animal to ensure they haven’t contracted the rabies virus.

Can Cats Pass Rabies to Humans?

An owner of a cat can contract rabies from the feline virus. Â Direct contact with an infected animal’s saliva is required for the transmission of rabies infection. This does not imply that licking or drooling on you by a cat can result in rabies. The mucous membrane or a break in the skin must come into contact with the saliva.

Animals most commonly transmit rabies to humans through bites. Although it’s extremely uncommon, humans can contract rabies from an animal’s scratch.

Make sure to contact your physician right away if you believe you may have been exposed to rabies. A series of rabies vaccinations might be necessary to stop the infection from spreading.

FAQ

How common are rabies in cats?

Nonetheless, around 60 to 70 dogs and more than 250 cats are reported rabid each year. Nearly all these animals were unvaccinated and acquired rabies from wildlife (such as bats, raccoons, and skunks).

How do I know if my cat has rabies?

Most rabid animals show signs of central nervous system disturbance. The most reliable indicators are sudden and severe behavioral changes and unexplained paralysis that worsens over time. Behavioral changes can include sudden loss of appetite, signs of apprehension or nervousness, irritability, and hyperexcitability.

Can a cat bite give me rabies?

Most domestic cats are already vaccinated against rabies. If you know the cat that’s bitten you has a rabies vaccine, it’s unlikely that you’ll contract rabies. But if an unvaccinated cat has bitten you, you must take the bite seriously. Once symptoms are present, rabies is typically fatal.

Can I get rabies from my pet cat?

A cat with rabies can pass the virus to their owner. In order to become infected with rabies, you need to have direct contact with the saliva of an affected animal. This doesn’t mean you can get rabies if a cat licks or drools on you. The saliva needs to come in contact with a mucus membrane or broken skin.