How To Test A Cat For Rabies

Introduction

Rabies is a disease that can affect all mammals, especially cats. If you suspect your cat may have rabies, the most important thing to do is to test it right away. Fortunately, the testing process is not difficult or invasive. Here’s what you have to do:

If the animal that bit your cat is available for observation, quarantine it for 10 days.

If the animal that bit your cat is available for observation, quarantine it for 10 days. If the biting animal cannot be tested and quarantined, you’ll need to keep your cat isolated from other animals and children until you can take it to a veterinarian for rabies testing.

If the animal is not available, contact your local health department or state public health veterinarian.

If the animal is not available, contact your local health department or state public health veterinarian. Your veterinarian may also be able to help determine if a cat has rabies.

Local animal control agencies, police departments and fire departments should be able to provide assistance in capturing stray animals that bite humans.

Administer first-aid to your cat and contact your veterinarian.

In the event that your cat has been bitten or scratched by a rabid animal, administer first-aid immediately. Clean the wound with soap and water to reduce risk of infection and apply ice to reduce swelling. If there is any doubt as to whether or not your cat has been exposed to rabies, take him or her to the veterinarian immediately. If you’re sure he was only scratched but the scratch was deep enough for the other animal’s saliva to enter his body (it will be hard for you to see), then watch him closely for signs of rabies over the next few days, especially at night when they are most active.

Describe the situation to your veterinarian, including when and where the bite occurred, how serious it is, what type of animal caused it, and if a rabies vaccination was administered.

If your cat has been bitten by an animal, describe the situation to your veterinarian, including when and where the bite occurred, how serious it is, what type of animal caused it (e.g., raccoon or skunk), and whether or not your cat has been vaccinated for rabies.

Testing for rabies is most often conducted after an animal has bitten or scratched a human or pet.

• If an animal bites or scratches you or your cat, rabies testing should be considered.
• The animal must be tested within 48 hours.
• The animal must be observed for 10 days after the bite unless it dies before that time. If this happens, you will need to observe the remains of your pet for the same length of time as well.

If your animal is not available, contact your local health department or state public health veterinarian for assistance in determining whether any other animals were exposed and what action should be taken by them and/or yourself (e.g., rabies vaccination).

Conclusion

In conclusion, we have a lot of information about rabies in cats and how to test for it. The best way to prevent rabies is through vaccinations. If your cat has been exposed to an animal that may be rabid or if they have exhibited any of the signs listed above, then you should have them tested immediately. There are different tests available but they all require some type of sample from the infected cat including blood, saliva or spinal fluid. If caught early enough there is treatment with anti-rabies vaccine (AVR) which will prevent symptoms from ever occurring but no cure exists once symptoms start showing up so keep your kitty safe by staying ahead!