Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
I think the best new animal is an unrelated kitten or cat who is at
least 16 weeks old and appears hearty and healthy. But unfortunately,
there are no guarantees with FIP.
COULD YOUR CAT BE RABID?
Rabies is a virus that can affect any warm-blooded animal. In certain
parts of the country, rabies is present in a large number of wild animals,
so the risk of exposure to outdoor cats is high. Skunks, bats and many
other animals can carry rabies but not develop outward signs of disease.
Depending on where you live, laws may mandate that your cat be vac-
cinated against rabies.
Animals infected with rabies usually die within weeks of infection,
because the virus attacks cells in their brains.
Vaccinating Against Rabies
The recommended protocol for immunizing a cat against rabies is to
give the first vaccine at three to four months of age, repeat the vaccine
one year later, and then revaccinate every three years. Some states
require a different schedule, and your veterinarian will know the law in
your area. If a rabies vaccine is not legally required in your state and
your cat does not go outdoors, it can be an optional vaccine. But if your
cat does go outdoors, you should consider vaccination whether or not
it's legally required in your state.
You might also consider vaccinating your cat against rabies if the cat
is aggressive and ever bites humans. If a bite wound requires medical
attention, the doctor performing the treatment is required to report the
bite to local animal control authorities. Any animal who bites a human
is placed under some type of quarantine, but unvaccinated animals are
placed under stricter rules.
Signs of Rabies
People occasionally joke about “looking like a rabid dog”—this expres-
sion is used to describe somebody or something with wide-open eyes
and drool on their lips. In fact, these are actual clinical signs seen in cases
of rabies. Because rabies affects the brain, seizures, blindness, clumsiness,
drooling and behavioral changes are seen in afflicted animals. I hope
none of you ever come in contact with a rabid animal, because if there
