Rabies and Cats: Vaccination, Signs and What to Do After a Bite

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

Rabies is one of the oldest and deadliest diseases known. It is also almost completely preventable with vaccination. Although rabies is rare in vaccinated pets, cats are the domestic animals most often reported rabid in the United States, which is why the vaccine matters for every cat.

What is rabies?

Rabies is a virus that attacks the brain and nervous system. It spreads through saliva, usually via a bite from an infected animal. Once signs appear, the disease is virtually always fatal. Rabies can infect all mammals, including people.

How cats get rabies

Cats are infected by contact with wildlife, mostly:

• Bats
• Raccoons
• Skunks
• Foxes
• Coyotes and other wild carnivores

Outdoor and free-roaming cats are at highest risk, but indoor cats can be exposed when a bat enters the home, or if a cat escapes. A cat that catches or plays with a bat may be exposed, even without a visible bite.

Signs of rabies in cats

Signs usually appear weeks to months after exposure and progress quickly. Rabies has several stages, and cats may show:

• Changes in behavior: unusual aggression, fearfulness or, sometimes, unusual friendliness
• Restlessness and irritability
• Drooling or foaming at the mouth
• Difficulty swallowing
• Staggering, weakness or paralysis
• Seizures. See seizures in cats.
• Excessive vocalization
• Disorientation

The "furious" form involves aggression, while the "dumb" form involves paralysis. Many of these signs have other causes, but any sudden neurological or behavior change needs prompt veterinary attention, and caution around the cat.

Prevention: vaccination

Rabies vaccination is the single best protection.

• Kittens usually get their first rabies shot at around twelve weeks, with a booster after a year, then every one or three years depending on the vaccine and local law. See cat vaccination schedule.
• Many states and cities legally require rabies vaccination for cats.
• Keep records and tags up to date. See cat microchipping and identification.

Vaccination protects your cat and your family, and it also matters if your cat bites someone.

Other prevention steps

• Keep cats indoors or in secure enclosures. See how to build a catio.
• Avoid wildlife contact. Do not feed or approach wild animals.
• Seal your home against bats, and use screens.
• Report stray or odd-acting animals to animal control.

What to do if your cat is bitten

1. Wear gloves when handling your cat, since saliva may carry virus.
2. Wash the wound with soap and water.
3. Contact your vet right away. Vaccinated cats usually receive a booster and are observed. Unvaccinated cats may face quarantine or euthanasia, depending on local law.
4. Notify local animal control or health authorities if a wild animal was involved.

What to do if a cat bites a person

• Wash the wound thoroughly for several minutes.
• See a doctor promptly. Cat bites often become infected, and rabies risk must be assessed.
• Report the bite to local health authorities as required.
• Keep the cat confined for the observation period, usually ten days, as directed. A healthy cat that stays healthy for ten days could not have been transmitting the virus.

See aggression between cats for fights, and keep a cat first aid kit at hand.

Rabies in context

Human rabies is very rare in countries with strong vaccination programs, and prompt treatment after exposure is highly effective. Still, rabies remains a serious public health issue, which is why laws and vaccines exist.

Bats in the home

Bats are the most common source of rabies exposure for indoor cats. If a bat is found in your home, do not let your cat touch it. Contain the bat if you can, without touching it with bare hands, and call animal control, since the bat may need testing. Tell your vet, even if your cat is vaccinated, because a booster may be advised.

Kittens

Kittens are usually vaccinated for rabies at about twelve weeks. Until then, keep them away from wildlife and unfamiliar animals. See kitten first vet visit.

Travel and rabies certificates

If you travel with your cat, rules for rabies vaccination vary. Some states and countries require proof. Keep your certificate with your records, and check the requirements well in advance. See how to travel with a cat by car.

Cost and legal requirements

Rabies shots are inexpensive compared with the consequences of exposure. Many low-cost clinics and shelters run vaccination days. Check your local rules on licensing and certificates, and keep your records in a safe place so you can prove vaccination quickly after any bite.

When to see a vet

Schedule vaccinations on time, and contact your vet immediately after any suspected exposure. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic, and see cat vet visit costs.

This article is general educational information, not veterinary advice. Every cat is different. If your cat is unwell, or you are unsure about a symptom, diet change or medication, contact your veterinarian.