Rabies is a viral infection that affects both people and animals. It causes an inflammation of the central nervous system. The disease is very dangerous and can be fatal to both people and animals. In most cases, rabies is transmitted by the bite of an infectious animal. Animals that can be infected include cats, dogs, skunks, raccoons, and bats.
The first step to take if you think you have been bitten by a wild animal is to contact your local animal control office. Then, make sure to confine the animal safely to protect you from possible harm. If you are unable to confine the animal, then you may need to go to a hospital. There are many cases of rabies in the United States each year.
Some common signs of rabies include dilated pupils, lethargy, difficulty breathing, and inappetence. Affected animals may also develop hives, fever, or other symptoms. Symptoms of rabies usually begin within 10 days of being bitten. After that, the affected animal will die.
Vaccines can help prevent rabies in your pet. These vaccines are available for cats, dogs, ferrets, horses, and cattle. They can also be administered before an animal gets bitten. Your veterinarian can determine whether your pet is in need of vaccination.
The best way to protect your cat from rabies is to ensure that it receives regular vaccinations. These vaccinations are medically proven to prevent the disease. Cats are the most common domestic animal that can become infected with rabies. However, dogs, foxes, and other wildlife can be infected as well.
If you think that your cat is infected with rabies, then you should take it to a veterinarian. Depending on the severity of the bite, your pet may need to stay quarantined for several weeks. This helps prevent the animal from hurting or infecting other people. You will also need to provide immunoglobulin, which helps the immune system respond to the virus.
Having a rabies vaccine is a good idea, but it can cause some side effects. In some cases, your pet will experience temporary inappetence or lethargy. Other symptoms can include hives, difficulty breathing, and even facial swelling.
If you do not think that your cat is infected with this disease, then you should still keep it confined to protect you from possible exposure. Even if your pet has been vaccinated, it is a good idea to keep it away from animals that are potentially rabid.
If you see a stray animal, report it to your local animal control office. Also, try to remember the exact location of the animal. Remember that a rabid animal can look tame at first. But, if it exhibits unusual behavior or has been bitten by another animal, it is probably rabid.
Fortunately, there are vaccines that are much safer than the previous generation of rabies vaccines. These vaccines are less likely to cause tissue reactions. Vaccine-related reactions include fever, hard lumps at the site of the injection, and weakness.
