How to Tell if a Cat Has Rabies? Signs and What to Do
The hard part is this: you usually cannot tell for sure at home. A cat with rabies may look “off” at first, then suddenly become aggressive, weak, disoriented, or unable to swallow. The biggest warning signs are a recent bite or wildlife exposure followed by sudden behavior changes, drooling, trouble walking, seizures, or paralysis. Rabies in cats is not a “wait and see” disease. Once clear rabies symptoms in cats appear, the disease is nearly always fatal. The CDC says rabies has an incubation period that may last weeks to months, and once clinical signs appear, the disease is nearly always fatal. If your cat was bitten by a wild animal, got into a fight with a stray animal, caught a bat, or suddenly starts acting strangely after being outdoors, call your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital right away. If anyone was bitten or got saliva in an open wound, that person should wash the area with soap and water and seek urgent medical care. This guide explains the signs of rabies in cats, what symptoms are more urgent, what to do if you suspect exposure, and why even indoor cats still need rabies protection. What Is Rabies in










