How Long Will a Cat Live with Rabies?

The term rabies comes from the Latin Rabidus which translates as ‘crazy’ in English. It is a viral infection which affects the brain, delivering physical symptoms as well as aggressive behavioral issues which have come to define it. There have been cases of birds being infected, but most commonly the disease occurs in mammals. These animals include the aforementioned cats and dogs, but horses, bats, skunks and foxes can get it. Rodents, however, very rarely have the disease and are not known to transmit it to humans. That rabies can be transferred from animals to humans makes it a zoonotic disease.

Rabies in cats transmission to humans

The disease is caused by viruses from the family Rhabdoviridae, affecting the central nervous system. The virus can spread and accumulate in large quantities on the salivary glands which result in the saliva produced to also be infected. This is why rabies is most commonly spread by the bite on an infected animal usually during an altercation. However, although less common, rabies can be spread by licking an open wound or scratching the mucus membranes in the mouth or eyes.

How do cats get rabies?

The number of cats which get rabies has been controlled thanks to active vaccination campaigns in countries across the world, particularly those with high rates of the disease. However, the current rates are still cause for concern since the presence of rabies has increased. This is especially so in wild animals such as bats. It is these animals which are most likely to transmit the disease to cats, although other domestic animals can also spread it.

Can rabies in cats be cured?

Rabies has no cure and in most cases will lead to the death of the infected cat. This is why the best tool at our disposal to fight rabies is prevention. Vaccination schedules for cats are essential to ensuring their health, not just preventing rabies, but other pathologies common in felines. You also need to be careful if your cat is allowed outside unsupervised. Cats which get in fights are more likely to get rabies as the bites they may incur are the most common cause of transmission. If cats bring home dead animals, this can be a worry, but as we said rodents and birds are not likely to get rabies.

When the bite occurs, the rabies virus present in saliva directly penetrates the muscles and tissue. The virus then begins to multiply in this place. The virus then spreads through the surrounding structures and those closest to the nervous tissue. It is neurotropic meaning it has a certain affinity for nerve fibers. It also does not require blood as a means of diffusion throughout the body.

The following are the main phases of rabies:

• Incubation: this stage of rabies begins when the cat receives the bite and ends with the first appearance of symptoms. Unfortunately, the animal during this period seems completely healthy and shows no symptoms. It can last from a week to several months until the disease manifests itself.
• Prodromal: during this phase we begin to see some behavioral changes. The cat may be more nervous, scared, tired or introverted. This phase can last between 2 and 10 days.
• Excitable: this is the phase which most characterizes the disease. The cat becomes aggressive and irritable and is likely to bite and scratch. This biting and scratching is a hyperreaction to any stimuli and is involuntary. It only last three or four days, but special caution is required.
• Paralysis: this is the final phase of the disease in which we can observe paralysis, spasms, come and, finally, death.

As we have already explained, rabies has no cure. For this reason, after a positive diagnosis, euthanasia is the most humane course of action. The dog will suffer greatly during the latter stages of this rapid, irreversible and fatal disease.

The life expectancy of a cat with rabies is relatively short. The period of the phases described above will vary in individuals. However, once the viral infection has reached the central nervous system and the manifestation of clinical symptoms has begun, the disease progresses rapidly. Death will occur in 7 to 10 days.

Usually, when a cat is suspected of being infected by rabies, it will be quarantined for at least 10 days. After the quarantine period, the cat will be assessed to achieve an accurate diagnosis. Cats may be given a rabies anti-serum if they have been bitten, but the accessibility of this serum is variable.

If you suspect your cat may be suffering from rabies or if they have been bitten by an animal you suspect is rabid, take them to the vet immediately. The cat will need to be isolated to ensure they do not contaminate other animals or people. Also, if you have been able to determine the carrier animal of the virus, you need to inform the correct animal services to prevent spread of the disease. Your vet should be able to advise who to contact.

This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.

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