How to prevent rabies in a cat?

We all love animals: someone keeps dogs at home, some cats. Do not forget that these living beings are as susceptible to various diseases as people. Most ailments are curable, but are also deadly for animal disease. One of these is rabies. No less dangerous is the disease for a person.

Rabies in a cat is an acute infectious disease caused by a neurotropic filtering virus. When the disease is inhibited by the central nervous system, almost always the animal dies. Wild carnivores (racoons, wolves, arctic foxes, foxes) and rodents are susceptible to the disease. Pets run at risk from pets, walking unattended and in contact with wandering (wild) animals.

The causative agent of rabies is secreted with saliva until the main clinical symptoms of the disease manifest, so infection can occur if it hits the damaged surface of the body of a healthy animal. The main and most frequent way of infection is the bite of a sick animal. The most serious danger is bleeding deep wounds of muscles, bites in the neck and head (because they are closest to the central nervous system). The virus that causes rabies in a cat is secreted with saliva almost 10 days before the onset of the characteristic signs of the disease, therefore during this period the animal is the most dangerous in terms of infection.

The main sign of this terrible disease is the change in behavior and aggression. The first symptoms will appear 4 to 6 weeks after infection. There are violent and quiet course of the disease. Rabies in a cat often manifests itself in a violent form. Initially, the animal shows playfulness and affection towards the owner, it hides in dark places, becomes fearful, alert, can bite and scratch, grab hard objects, breaking teeth. Fits of fury replaces depression, you can observe a change in voice and a hoarse meow.

The cat refuses to eat the usual food, but can grab and swallow a stone, a piece of wood, paper. Paralytic phenomena begin to appear: impaired swallowing, difficulty in directing, increased salivation, cramps, refusal to eat, paralysis of the lower jaw, paralysis of the muscles of the extremities, and then the entire body. The sick animal dies within 5 days. Rabies in a cat is not treatable. They are euthanized, the corpses are utilized. The remaining food and animal accessories are destroyed.

The main preventive measures are: vaccination against rabies, the correct content of cats, their protection from the aggression of stray and wild animals. If there is a suspicion that your cat was bitten by a rabid animal, you should immediately contact the veterinarian.

To a pet was healthy, whether it goes out into the street or is only in the house, a vaccination against rabies is mandatory for him. The first time it is done at the age of 12 weeks. Then, revaccination is carried out annually . These simple procedures will help to preserve the health and life of your pet, and also protect you and your family members.