Do kittens have rabies?

Usually, kittens from legitimate sources who have not been bitten by suspected infected animals do not have rabies. The transmission of rabies is relatively strict, and the virus can only infect when it comes into contact with the mucous membrane or wound of susceptible animals. Related tests can also be conducted to determine whether kittens carry the rabies virus.

Under normal circumstances, the chances of home-raised kittens contracting rabies are almost zero. The main mode of transmission of rabies is through bites or licks from infected or suspected animals. If a normal cat is accidentally bitten by an infected animal, it is very likely to contract the rabies virus. In this case, it is recommended to use rabies immunoglobulin around the wound and inject the rabies vaccine. It is best to avoid cats from contacting infected or suspected animals. Additionally, bats and other common wild animals may also carry the rabies virus.

The incubation period of rabies virus from infection to onset is relatively long, usually 2-8 weeks, and sometimes may reach several years. Rabies can cause a highly fatal spinal cord inflammation, and the mortality rate of infected animals is almost 100%. The effective way to prevent rabies is to receive relevant vaccines. Rabies vaccines are divided into domestic and imported vaccines. Generally, the vaccines provided by pet hospitals are imported ones, and kittens can start receiving the vaccine at 3 months of age. After receiving the rabies vaccine, immunoglobulins will be produced, but these immunoglobulins will decrease over time. Therefore, after the first year of vaccination, a booster dose is needed the following year. Finally, some cats may not reach the required antibody level after receiving the rabies vaccine. It is recommended to have related antibody level testing at a pet hospital. If the antibody level is unsatisfactory, it is advised to receive the vaccine again.