Illustration of a cat (Pexels)
JAKARTA, kilat.com- Although most people probably associate rabies with dogs. In this condition, there is a virus that can infect any mammal, including cats.
Quoting from webmd.com, in fact, rabies affects more cats than dogs in the United States.
The virus can be transmitted to other animals or humans and can be fatal if not treated before symptoms appear.
But thanks to vaccines, rabies can also be prevented and it is now rare for pets in homes.
Rabies is a virus that attacks the central nervous system of mammals. It is usually transmitted when an infected animal bites another animal or human.
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The virus starts at the site of the bite and travels through the body along the nerves until it reaches the brain.
Once rabies reaches the brain, infected animals will begin to show symptoms and will usually die within 7 days.
Quoting from pets.webmd.com, in the United States, rabies is rare in pets. Most states have laws that require vaccines to prevent the spread of rabies in cats, dogs, and other animals.
The CDC reports that there were only 241 cases of rabies in cats in 2018 (the last year they had data).
When a cat is exposed to rabies, it is usually from the bite of an infected wild animal. Raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes are common carriers of rabies.
The more contact a cat has with wild animals, the higher their risk of infection.
The first indication that a cat may have rabies is a bite from another animal.
If another pet bites your cat, talk to the pet’s owner about their rabies risk. If your cat has been attacked by a stray animal, talk to your vet about possible exposure to rabies.
The first thing your vet might suggest is an immediate shot of the rabies vaccine to stop the virus from invading.
The vet may also ask to isolate your cat and monitor them for a few weeks to see if they develop any symptoms.
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Here are the symptoms of rabies that can occur in your cat:
• Changes in behavior. Cats that are normally calm can become excited or restless. Extroverted cats may become less affectionate and may isolate themselves.
• Aggression. Cats can be passionate, aggressive, and vicious towards humans or other animals.
• Drooling. Rabies can affect the muscles in a cat’s mouth so they can’t swallow. They may drool or foam at the mouth.
• Loss of muscle control. The final stage of rabies causes paralysis and coma.
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A cat with rabies can transmit the virus to its owner. To be infected with rabies, you must have direct contact with the saliva of an infected animal.
This doesn’t mean you can get rabies if your cat licks or drools on you. Saliva needs to come into contact with mucous membranes or damaged skin.
Animals most often transmit rabies to humans through bites. It is possible for humans to get rabies from the paws of animals, but it is very rare.
If you think you have rabies, contact your doctor immediately. You may need a series of rabies vaccines to prevent the infection from developing. (Lutfi Mahathir)
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