Can a cat get a vaccine for the disease?

It is a disease that can affect any mammal, including cats.The United States has more dogs than cats.If not treated before symptoms appear, the virus can be passed on to other animals or humans.Thanks to vaccines, there is now a rare case of rabies in house pets.

The central nervous system of mammals is affected by the virus.It is transmitted when an animal bites a human.The virus begins at the location of the bite and travels through the body to the brain.Within 7 days, the animal will show symptoms and die from the disease.

Domestic animals in the United States are free of the disease.Most states require vaccines for cats, dogs, and other animals to prevent the spread of diseases.The most recent year for which they have data, the CDC reports that there were only 241 cases of the disease in cats.

When a cat gets the disease, it's usually from the bite of a wild animal.There are mammals that are common carriers of the disease.The risk of your cat being bitten by a wild animal is higher if you have a lot of contact with them.

A bite from another animal is the first sign that your cat has the disease.Speak to the animal's owner if your pet bites them.Call your vet if your cat is attacked by a wild animal.

A booster shot of the vaccine is the first thing your vet may suggest.You may be told by your vet to watch your cat for several weeks to see if they develop symptoms.

A cat can transmit the disease to their owner.You need to have direct contact with the saliva of an animal that has been exposed to the disease in order to get it.This does not mean that you can get the disease if a cat licks you.The saliva needs to come in contact with something.

Humans are most likely to be bitten by animals.It is possible for a human to be bitten by an animal, but it is very rare.

Call your doctor if you think you have been exposed to the disease.You may need to get a series of vaccines.

It isn't obvious that cats have been bitten.There is a period of several weeks after exposure when the cat won't show any signs of the disease, and their saliva will not be infectious.

There is no test for the disease in animals.If you suspect your cat has been exposed to the disease, your vet will suggest isolating the animal and watching for symptoms.A booster vaccine might be able to prevent a cat from getting the disease.

There is nothing you or your vet can do if your cat begins to show symptoms.There is no cure for the disease in cats.A cat will die within a matter of days if symptoms appear.

To protect the other people and pets in your home, your cat should be euthanized.If your cat dies suddenly of a disease you suspect to be rabies, your vet may recommend having a sample from the cat's brain examined.Direct testing of the brain is the only way to diagnose the disease.

Cats get the best protection against the disease with a regular vaccine.Make sure your cat is up to date on their vaccinations by talking to your vet.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a section on caring for a client's animal that may have been exposed to rabies.