We all love animals: someone keeps dogs in the house, some cats. Do not forget that these living creatures are as susceptible to various diseases as humans. Most ailments are treatable, but they are also fatal to an animal disease. One of them is rabies. No less dangerous is the disease for humans.
Rabies in a cat is an acute infectious disease caused by a neurotropic filtering virus. With the disease, the
central nervous system is inhibited
, almost always the animal dies. Wild carnivores (raccoons, wolves, arctic foxes, foxes) and rodents are susceptible to the disease. From pets, pets walking unattended and in contact with stray (wild) animals are at risk of infection.
The causative agent of rabies is excreted with saliva before the manifestation of the main clinical symptoms of the disease, so infection can occur when it gets on the damaged surface of the body of a healthy animal. The main and most common route of infection is through the bite of a sick animal. The most serious danger is presented by deep bleeding muscle wounds, bites in the neck and head (since they are closest to the central nervous system). The virus that causes rabies in a cat is excreted with saliva almost 10 days before the onset of the characteristic signs of the disease, so during this period the animal is the most dangerous in terms of infection.
The main symptom of this terrible disease is a change in behavior and aggression. The first symptoms will appear 4 to 6 weeks after infection. There are violent and quiet course of the
disease. Rabies in a cat is more often manifested in violent form. At first, the animal shows playfulness and affection for the owner, then hides in dark places, becomes shy, wary, can bite and scratch, grab hard objects, breaking its teeth. Attacks of rage are replaced by depression, one can observe a change in voice and a hoarse meow.
The cat refuses to eat the usual food, but can grab and swallow a stone, a piece of wood, paper. Paralytic phenomena begin to appear: violation of swallowing, difficulty setting, increased salivation, cramps, refusal to eat, paralysis of the lower jaw, paralysis of the muscles of the limbs, and then the whole body. A sick animal dies within 5 days. Rabies in a cat cannot be treated. They are euthanized, corpses are disposed of. The remaining food and animal accessories are destroyed.
The main preventive measures are:
rabies vaccination
, proper maintenance of cats, their protection against aggression of stray and wild animals. If you suspect that your
cat has been bitten by a rabid animal, you should immediately contact your veterinarian.
That the pet was healthy, regardless of whether he goes out or is only in the house, a vaccine against rabies is mandatory for him. The first time it is done at the age of 12 weeks. Then revaccination is carried out annually . These simple procedures will help maintain the health and life of your pet, as well as protect you and your family members.