Cat Illnesses - Rabies

cat drooling in the latter stages of rabies

Rabies is caused by a virus that lives in the saliva of infected mammals. When it reaches the brain (it always does in cats) it is fatal. It is spread primarily by bites, but transmission can be airborne in confined spaces.

Symptoms will usually start with a change of mood in the cat alongside a fever. Next the cat will become very aggressive and sensitive to stimuli, perhaps losing all natural caution. The final phase of rabies is when nerves start to fail, beginning with those in the head. This leads to the characteristic drooling or foaming at the mouth when swallowing becomes harder, followed by a slack jaw and difficulty breathing.

Rabies is always fatal in cats. It is also highly infectious and will also kill infected humans. Unfortunately there is no treatment for this terrible illness.