Cat rabies is a serious disease caused by a virus that can be transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal. The method of transmission is normally a bite or scratch wound on the skin. The virus attacks the nervous system of its victims.

Cats infected with rabies may display a variety of signs. Typically, these symptoms take the form of a change in behavior to one of two extremes. Some animals infected with rabies display signs known as “furious” rabies, in which they become very agitated and aggressive. The other extreme is known as “dumb” rabies. Cats displaying these symptoms may be unusually docile and even very friendly. They may appear lethargic or move unnaturally slowly, sometimes even displaying signs of paralysis.

One of the most important ways to prevent cat rabies is through proper vaccination. Feline rabies is a core vaccine for cats. Core vaccinations are those that are recommended for all kittens and any cats for whom vaccination records are not available. Core vaccines protect against serious, life-threatening illnesses that are widespread throughout the cat population. An inoculation with killed rabies vaccine should be given to kittens at 12-16 weeks of age. A booster shot should be given at one year, and every subsequent three years. Some veterinarians administer recombinant vaccines rather than killed; discuss the differences with your vet.

In addition to vaccinating your cat against cat rabies, it is important to keep cats indoors. Animals that wander freely are much more likely to come into contact with infected animals than those pets that are kept safely indoors.

Rabies most often occurs not among pets but among wildlife such as raccoons, foxes, skunks, and bats. Your cat need not even be bitten by a rabid animal, although that is the most common means of transmission. Just like cats may hiss when provoked, other animals such as raccoons may do the same. If your cat is close enough to a hissing raccoon to get saliva on his fur and then grooms himself and gets the raccoon’s saliva into his mouth, he could become infected.

Cat rabies is a very serious, fatal disease. Regular vaccinations make this disease entirely preventable among pets. Proper inoculation includes an initial vaccination for kittens, followed by a booster shot at one year and every subsequent third year. Keeping your cat indoors, protected from exposure to wild animals that could be infected with the rabies virus, is also an important step in protecting your pet form cat rabies.