Rabies affects both cats and dogs, but there are some differences in how the disease manifests in each species.
In cats, rabies symptoms typically appear sooner, within 3 to 8 weeks after exposure². Cats often exhibit “furious rabies,” characterized by aggression, restlessness, and erratic behavior⁴. They may become hypersensitive to stimuli, show signs of disorientation, and have seizures⁵. As the disease progresses, cats may drool excessively and experience paralysis, leading to coma and death⁵.
In dogs, the incubation period can be longer, ranging from 2 weeks to several months¹. Dogs may display either “furious” or “dumb” rabies. Furious rabies in dogs is similar to that in cats, with aggression and hyperactivity¹. Dumb rabies, however, is more common in dogs and is marked by lethargy, weakness, and paralysis¹. Dogs with dumb rabies may appear unusually docile and may not exhibit the aggressive behavior seen in cats¹.
Both cats and dogs can transmit rabies to humans through bites or saliva contact with open wounds². Vaccination is crucial for preventing rabies in pets and reducing the risk of transmission to humans⁶.
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Source:
(1) Rabies in Cats – WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/pets/cats/rabies-cats.
(2) Rabies in cats – PDSA. https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/conditions/rabies-in-cats.
(3) Rabies Symptoms in Cats (Don’t Ignore These Signs). https://www.lovetoknowpets.com/cats/symptoms-of-cat-rabies.
(4) Rabies and Rabies-Related Lyssaviruses – CFSPH. https://www.cfsph.iastate.edu/Factsheets/pdfs/rabies.pdf.
(5) Rabies in Cats: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment | BetterVet. https://bettervet.com/resources/pet-diseases/rabies-in-cats.
(6) Rabies in Cats: 9 Signs to Look For and Next Steps to Take. https://a-z-animals.com/blog/rabies-in-cats-signs-to-look-for-and-next-steps-to-take/.
(7) Rabies in Cats – Rabies in Cats – Merck Veterinary Manual. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/cat-owners/brain-spinal-cord-and-nerve-disorders-of-cats/rabies-in-cats.