Does this stray cat have rabies...or something else...?

Question

A stray cat appeared in my backyard about a half hour ago, acting extremely strange. The most obvious thing was that the cat could not keep its balance and kept falling over. When it took steps, its legs kept very straight. It almost appeared that the cat was drunk, the way it was stumbling around. I gave it some food, but it seemed to only show a moderate interest in eating, although it's very scrawny. When I pushed the food plate closer to the place in my yard it kept retreating to, it hissed at me. When I looked at its eyes, they were very very large - not just the pupils, but the whole eyes. I love cats, but this one was creepy. Can anyone tell me what's wrong with this cat? If it has a contagious disease than I want to discourage it from coming around so it won't infect my cats.

Answer 1

Rabies is a serious concern, as it's the single most deadly virus in the world. However, there have been very few cases reported in wild animals in general, especially in animals as domesticated as cats. The neurological symptoms you're describing could be a cat infected with a serious infectious disease, but it's also possible that the cat was in shock after suffering some traumatic injury (like being hit by a car, for example). It would be a good idea to put a call into your local animal control facility to inform them of the cats presence, just in case it had contracted an illness that might be a problem for your cats. If your guys go outside occassionally, keep them in for a day or two to make sure any disease that might be in the environment doesn't stick around. Most infectious diseases are only spread through intimate contact (grooming, sharing food, intercourse), so they'll probably be fine, but it's better to be safe than sorry.

Answer 2

Get her a tetanus booster and antibiotic injection. The ER will know what to do for a cat chunk; i'm a dogs groomer and if we get bitten by utilising a cat we on the instant bypass to the ER and that they supply you those 2 injections. i don't know what to provide help to recognize approximately rabies; i'm going to assert that it wasn't an unprovoked attack. The cat become scared because of the fact somebody approached it quite is hiding place, it did not come charging around the backyard to maul her. interior the cat's innovations, it become being threatened. So the situations themselves are not adequate to coach rabies. Did you get a physically powerful look at the cat? Any foam on the mouth, erratic strikes, or did it in simple terms chunk and then calmly run away? it is your call, yet because of the fact the cat did not even draw blood, I probable would not do a rabies series. i think of tetanus and antibiotics will suffice.

Answer 3

This baby needs your help. It sounds likely that it could have licked up anti-freeze from beneath a car, a very common thing as it has a sweet taste that appeals to them.If untreated, they eventually die a horrible death with seizures. Get her to a vet immediately, she is suffering horribly, and even if it's time for the shot, this animal needs your help. Think of her as one of your babies, if one was out & sick like that, so helpless, wouldn't you hope that another pet owner would step in & help? If it is contageous, the Vet will tell you exactly what to do to decontaminate & safeguard your cats at home. This is an emergency, there should be emergency vets available, or often your own vet will make a house call or come into the office for such a dire situatuon.Borrow a cat trap from a local resue agency (found on line) or your vet. The huge eyes are likely also fear, an animal in pain/distress will exhibit these signs even with their own owner.


PLEASE will you e -mail me & tell me how you resolved this? You & this cat have been so on my mind & in my prayers, probably because of what I went through. Even if it's sad, I'm not going to trash you , I just am really wondering, & it's taken me forever to go back & find this question. PLEASE?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 4

Anti-freeze poisoning has these same effects on dogs or cats. The cat could be having kidney failure from poisoning. Not knowing for sure what the cat has been traumatized by, you had better call animal control. They will remove the cat safely from your yard and determine the cat's problem. Don't mess with it anymore and jeopardize yourself or your cats own well being.

Answer 5

This cat is acting very strange but it does NOT seem to be rabies. It could possibly be in shock or be dying. Call any emergency animal service in your area and explain to them that you have a VERY sick cat around your house. They will know how to handle it.

Answer 6

Never take chances with an animal that is acting strangely, especially a stray. Rabies is and probably always will be pretty common in the feral cat and dog population, and there is no need to risk you or your cats getting exposed to it. Call the animal control in your area and have the kitty removed.
Good luck.

Answer 7

No probably not rabies. A VERY ill cat. perhaps hit & bleeding inside? Could also be.............he is dying. From the sound of it with the eyes as such & being so skinny.........he is starving & already beyond a come back. With his balance as such.......he is just soooooo weak. If possible.......get to a vet. I would say it's too late now though. He is dying. Good luck. My thoughts are with you.

Answer 8

It probably is a disease. I love cats too,but,I'd just leave that cat alone and call the vet.

Answer 9

you probably need to call the spca and have that cat picked up for the sake of the other animals in the neighborhood and keep your cats inside

Answer 10

Sounds like this cat has some neurological damage. Maybe it was hit by a car or something. Maybe take it to the pound and they can humanely euthanize him....does'nt sound like he is going to be able to fend for himself, and will probably starve to death or suffer some other painful death.