Can cats survive rabies?

The mortality rate of cats infected with rabies is very high, almost 100%. Cats infected with rabies tend to hide in dark places and emit loud howls, subsequently attacking humans or other animals with fierce aggression. The main ways for cats to contract rabies are through bites or licks from infected animals. Cats infected with rabies are very dangerous and it is recommended to stay away from them and report to relevant authorities.

Yes, cats can indeed contract rabies, which is an acute fatal disease caused by the rabies virus. Clinical manifestations include restlessness, abnormal behavior, attacking humans and animals, and paralysis, ultimately leading to death. The incubation period of rabies is relatively long, and the mortality rate is almost 100%.

The rabies virus mainly exists in brain tissue, and salivary glands also contain a large amount of virus, which is secreted along with saliva and expelled from the body. The transmission of rabies mainly occurs when infected animals bite healthy animals, causing skin and mucosal infections. After a cat is infected with the rabies virus, it will not immediately show symptoms, but will have a relatively long incubation period. The incubation period may be 2-8 weeks for a short period and up to several months or even years for a long period. The duration of the incubation period mainly depends on factors such as the bite site, exposure type, the amount of virus in the exposed area, and the cat's immune ability.

The disease progression is usually divided into the aggressive phase and the paralytic phase. Cats in the aggressive phase prefer to hide in dark places and emit howls, subsequently becoming fierce and attacking humans and animals. After 1 to 2 days, the cat enters the paralytic phase, exhibiting symptoms such as drooling, paralysis of the hind limbs, walking instability, and inability to get up. Eventually, the cat usually dies of respiratory paralysis or exhaustion.

Rabies is preventable and controllable but cannot be treated. The best prevention method currently available is vaccination against the rabies virus. Cats should start receiving rabies vaccines at the age of 3 months, and a booster dose is needed annually thereafter.