Rabies in cats – signs and what to do
Contact a vet todayContact your vet today if you think your cat has this – it can become serious. Rabies is a deadly virus that can spread between animals and people.
What you can do now
- Contact your vet today.
- Note when it started, how often it happens and what else you see.
- Take a photo or short video to show the vet.
- Keep fresh water available.
- Let your cat rest somewhere calm.
Don't
- Do not give any human medicine.
- Do not wait if it gets worse.
What it is
Rabies is a deadly virus that can spread between animals and people.[1] It travels through saliva, so cats can catch it if an infected animal bites or scratches them.[1] Rabies attacks the brain and nerves.[1]
Signs
Causes and risk factors
What the experts say
“Serious side effects, such as anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction), are extremely rare (less than 1 in 10,000), but if your cat does experience any side effects, speak to your vet straight away.”
Not sure how serious it is?
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Common questions
What is rabies?
Rabies is a deadly virus that can spread between animals and people.[1]
How can a cat catch rabies?
A cat can catch rabies if an infected animal bites or scratches them, because the virus travels through saliva.[1]
What signs can rabies cause in cats?
Signs can include fever, changes in behaviour, going off food, vomiting and diarrhoea, wide pupils, aggression including biting, drooling, restlessness, worsening muscle weakness and paralysis.
Sources
How this page was made: written with the help of AI from the sources below, then checked claim by claim against those sources. Urgency levels follow OkPaw’s fixed safety rules. It is guidance, not a diagnosis. How we write our pages
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