When you have a cat that lives outdoors or that spends some of its time outside then you need to make sure that you are keeping them up to date with all of their shots. Keep in mind that while they are out in the wild they will hunt many types of animals to eat for a snack and maybe even bring a few of them home as a present to you.
That is why you need to be on the outlook for any strange behavior that your cat might be experiencing. One of the many diseases that they could contract from other animals is rabies. Rabies is a disease that occurs when a virus is attacking an animals' brain. In most cases this disease is fatal.There are three different stages to rabies. The first stage is the "prodromal" phase that is a marked change in temperament. You will notice that a normally quiet cat will become more agitated and the more active cat will become shy and nervous. Some of the more prominent signs that your cat has been affected with rabies are dilated pupils, too much drooling, and trying to catch objects that are not there.
The first phase will last 2 to 3 days before the second phase kicks in. During the second phase or "excitatory" phase there will be an exaggerated response to any type of stimulus. The cat will have unusual changes in what they eat. You may notice that they will try to eat sticks, stones, and other inedible objects. The cat will also start to walk around aimlessly and try to hurt itself. This is when they begin to fully express an aggressive behavior towards people and other animals. Seizures may also occur.
The symptoms of rabies may stop there or continue to the third stage. During the third stage is the "dumb" form. During this time the cat will become very depressed. It will lay down with its mouth open wide and its tongue sticking out. Paralysis will start to kick in before it takes over the whole body.
In order to prevent this and to keep your cat safe from this deadly disease you should vaccinate them. Rabies vaccines are safe and work well. In fact many laws require that your cat have them so that they do not spread it if they catch it. Cats will usually get the vaccine when they are three or four months old.
As you can see Cat Rabies is something that cannot only affect your feline friend - but also you and your family. Pain Relief For Cats will help to keep you informed on how to treat your cats and other Cat Diseases to look for.
By Naomi West
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/
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