Cat - Rabies

What is rabies?

Rabies is transmitted by a virus and is probably the most horrendous disease affecting warm blooded animals which include cats and humans. It is almost always fatal.

How is rabies transmitted?

The disease is usually transmitted by the bite of an infected animal.

How widespread is rabies?

Rabies occurs in every continent with the exception of Australia and Antarctica. Most countries are affected with the exception of a few that are islands or almost islands. These include Great Britain, Ireland, Japan, Norway and Sweden and the Iberian peninsula.

How is the virus transmitted?

Rabies virus does not survive long outside the body. The infection is maintained by infected animals biting others. In Europe foxes are the main reservoir while in North America the skunk, racoon and bat are important. In Asia, Africa and Latin America the main reservoir is not wild life but stray, free living dogs. In these areas infection of man is more common.

How long is the incubation period?

The incubation period is the time from infection to the development of signs of disease. This can vary from 5 days to 12 months or even more. Incubation in the cat is generally less than in the dog and is usually less than three months. Death usually occurs within 14 days from the first onset of signs. The speed at which clinical signs develop depends upon:

• The site of infection, the nearer the bite is to the brain and spinal cord, the quicker the virus reaches the nervous tissue
• The severity of the bite
• The amount of virus injected by the bite

What are the clinical signs?

Following a bite or scratch from a rabid animal, the disease progresses in stages. In the first or prodromal stage, there is a marked change in temperament, quiet cats become agitated and can be aggressive and active extroverts will become nervous or shy. This is then followed by so-called furious rabies which is by far the most common type in the cat. During this the excitement stage predominates and it is at this stage the cat is most dangerous, both to other animals and to the owner. It frequently becomes increasingly nervous, irritable and very vicious. Muscle spasms will often prevent swallowing. The third stage is the paralytic stage, which usually occurs after about 7 days. Ultimately the cat will become comatose and die.

A noted feature of the condition in cats is the widely dilated pupil throughout all stages of the disease.

Is it possible to survive a bite from a rabid animal?

There are isolated reports of both dogs and people surviving but without vaccination the chances are poor.

Is vaccination effective?

Vaccination promotes the production of antibodies but these are only effective before the virus enters the nervous system. It is therefore essential to ensure that if exposed to risk the level of circulating antibodies in the subject is adequate before exposure. It is for this reason that under the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) regulations cats must be vaccinated before they travel. They must also have regular boosters as recommended by the vaccine manufacturer.

What is the treatment?

There is no treatment for a cat with rabies. If rabies is suspected the cat has to be kept in isolation and prevented from escaping or injuring someone and DEFRA notified. If the cat has not died it will then be put to sleep and a post mortem carried out.

Can I catch rabies?

Yes, the disease is zoonotic, i.e. can be transmitted to man. However it is only transmitted by the bite of a rabid animal. The virus is present in the saliva of the infected animal only for a limited time.

If you are bitten by any animal that may be suspect, i.e. stray or feral dogs abroad, etc. you should immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and then seek the advice of a doctor without delay.

Post exposure rabies treatment with serum or vaccine may be recommended and is very successful if commenced without delay.

Is it possible to arrange vaccination of my cat?

Rabies vaccination is now available for any cat in the United Kingdom. We would strongly recommend this if you intend to take your cat to Europe under PETS. Any veterinary surgeon can now obtain and administer the rabies vaccine, you can then obtain from a Local Veterinary Inspector (LVI) DEFRA a PETS certificate.

If you fulfil these requirements and the cat also has microchip identification you will be able to travel to many European countries and return without your pet having to spend time in quarantine. All that will happen is that on re-entry through one of the authorised pilot scheme routes, the transport company will check the cat's microchip and the official PETS certificate.

For further information regarding the Pet Travel Scheme.  See handout on PETS.