When does a rabid cat become contagious?
The virus can then travel to the salivary glands by the retrograde axonal route. At this time, the animal becomes infectious (ie, about three days before the first clinical signs appear). By the time clinical signs appear, the virus is widely disseminated throughout the organs.
How do you know if a cat gave you rabies?
In this stage, a rabid cat may become nervous and vicious. They may also excessively cry out and experience seizures and a loss of appetite. At this point, the virus is attacking the nervous system and prevents them from swallowing, leading to the classic sign of excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth.
Can you get rabies from a cat with no symptoms?
If the cat is still alive or is not exhibiting any clinical signs of rabies after the 10-day observation period, then the bite could not have transmitted rabies since the cat was not shedding the rabies virus at the time of the bite.
Can indoor cats get rabies?
“Rabies is a human health concern, not just an animal health issue.” Regardless of legal requirements, maintaining regular rabies vaccination makes good medical sense. Even a strictly indoor cat may find a way to sneak out of the house and be exposed to rabies by a wild animal in the neighborhood.
Can vaccinated cats get rabies?
A currently vaccinated dog, cat, or ferret is unlikely to become infected with rabies. When an exposure has occurred, the likelihood of rabies infection varies with the nature and extent of that exposure. Under most circumstances, two categories of exposure — bite and nonbite — should be considered.
Is it illegal to not vaccinate your cat?
As it relates to our feline companions, there are no state-required cat vaccinations in California. However, that does not mean cat owners should skip vaccinating their pets against life-threatening diseases. The state and veterinarians recommend a cat receive, at a minimum, the rabies vaccine.
Does cat Scratch need rabies vaccine?
Post-exposure rabies prophylaxis (PEP) is compulsory if you are bitten by a dog, cat or other animal that is rabid or is suspected to be infected with rabies. PEP is required under following conditions: If the bite has broken the skin and the wound is bleeding.