I have had my cat for 4 years...I just recently fell behind on her shots. I have noticed behavior changes in her in the last two days...being very aggressive (where she used to be very calm) and loss of appetite.Also, my boyfriend (who the cat did love to death) was scratched by her last night after she hissed at him. I just got a puppy 5 days ago and assumed it was due to that but she was being calm around the pup until two days ago...shes an indoor and outdoor car and i stay in a rural area...What are the chances she has rabies without exhibiting any other rabies symptoms??
2007-07-22 02:25:25 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
A vet would calm those fears.... for the cat's sake (and the new puppy's), make sure!
2007-07-22 02:28:06 · answer #1 · answered by Ms Common Cents 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She should be covered by a rabies shot for three years, even if it's the yearly shot. They keep the protection in their blood for about that long.
I'd guess it's more likely she's in pain than anything else. And stressed by the puppy, which can make feeling bad even worse.
If she's not showing any other signs of illness, you can try waiting a few days, but should consider a checkup just in case. She may have a broken tooth, an abscess starting from a bite, a cracked bone, soft tissue injury, anything---without an exam all we can do is guess. If her appetite doesn't return by now, make the vet trip a priority.
Rabies isn't the only thing out there--feline distemper, feline leukemia, FIV, there are a number of things that could cause this as their first sign.
2007-07-22 10:16:16 · answer #2 · answered by Elaine M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would guess it has something to do with the puppy. Cats are not good with changes. Rabies vaccine are usually 3 year so I doubt that's the problem. If your cat is indoor/outdoor, you really need to get her shots. If money is an issue, check with your local pound. They usually have shot clinic days. But to answer your original question, yes it is possible to have rabies without displaying the usual signs. Rabies is a fatal disease. You and your boyfriend are at risk.
This is no joke. The only way to check for rabies is test the brain tissue.
2007-07-22 02:41:50 · answer #3 · answered by Clueless 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
FYI-the only way to test for rabies is with brain tissue, i.e. your cat would have to be euthanized. so don't listen to anyone who tries to tell you otherwise. the chances of rabies is probably pretty small. you should make sure to get her up to date on her shots. and the vaccine most vets use for rabies is actually a 3 year drug. only a couple of states (NY, FL and i think SC) require it yearly.
your cat is probably very upset at the puppy. cats are very picky. just keep them apart and give her extra loving. she will calm down eventually. so stop worrying and just give her tons of TLC! good luck
2007-07-22 02:37:22 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋