Feline Rabies
Feline Rabies Vaccines in Westwood and Pompton Lakes, NJ
While many cats spend most of their time indoors, owners with cats that spend time outside need to take special precautions to help keep them safe. Feline rabies is a life-threatening virus that pet parents should do everything they can to protect against, including getting their cats vaccinated. At Westwood Regional Veterinary Hospital and Pompton Lakes Animal Hospital, located in Westwood and Pompton Lakes, New Jersey, and serving the Tri-State area, we provide preventative care like pet vaccines. Learn more about the feline rabies vaccines we offer that can help your cats live long, healthy lives.
What Is Feline Rabies?
Rabies is a virus that can infect cats, dogs, humans, and other mammals. It targets the brain and spinal cord and can result in death. The disease is transmitted from one animal to another through bites, as the infection lives in the saliva of the infected animal. It can also be transferred from one subject to another if this saliva finds its way into an open wound, which can occur through licking. Some animals that are common carriers of the virus include raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats.
As is the case with rabies in dogs and humans, rabies in felines can lead to a wide spectrum of symptoms, including:
- Aggressive behavior
- Sudden excitability
- Irritability
- Nervous behavior
- Trouble swallowing
- Drooling or excess saliva
- Reduced appetite
- Strange sounds
- Dilation of the pupils
- Loss of coordination
- Seizures
- Paralysis
- Sudden death
Your pet may experience some or all of these symptoms, but they will typically start out mild and then rapidly progress, ultimately resulting in death.
How Can I Protect My Cat from Contracting Rabies?
The best way to prevent rabies in cats is to keep up to date with your veterinarian’s recommended vaccination schedule. Feline rabies shots are a simple and effective way to protect against this deadly disease. The passionate team at Westwood Regional Veterinary Hospital and Pompton Lakes Animal Hospital can perform them safely.
The feline rabies vaccine can be given to kittens once they are at least 16 weeks old. This initial vaccination is followed by a booster shot a year later. Depending on the type of vaccine your pet is given, they will then need to receive an additional vaccine once every one to three years.
Another preventative measure pet parents can take is to keep their cats inside. In cats, the majority of rabies cases stem from encounters with wild animals, so avoiding those situations significantly reduces the risk. If you have a pet that has encountered a wild animal that could potentially have rabies, it’s best to isolate them from the rest of your family and your other pets just in case.
What Are the Diagnosis and Treatment Options?
Unlike many other conditions, the rabies virus can’t be easily diagnosed with a simple physical exam or a blood test. Unfortunately, the only way to be sure that a pet has been infected is to perform an exam on their brain postmortem. That said, it is still important to check with your veterinarian if you suspect your cat is showing symptoms or has recently faced potential exposure to the virus. They may be able to use this information, along with a physical examination, to make an educated guess as to whether they are infected.
Much like with humans, once a cat is showing symptoms, unfortunately, there is nothing that can be done to stop the virus. However, if your pet has been exposed and is up to date with their rabies vaccines, a veterinarian could administer an additional dose to help prevent the infection.
Cats who have been exposed may also need to be quarantined, although this is based on the laws of the specific state they are in. If an unvaccinated cat has been exposed, they may need to be humanely euthanized. This not only helps prevent others from getting infected but also helps protect them from any unnecessary suffering as the disease continues to progress.
Make Sure Your Feline is Protected Today
At Westwood Regional Veterinary Hospital and Pompton Lakes Animal Hospital, we know just how much you love your pets, which is why we strive to provide compassionate care in every facet of our practice. We have locations in Westwood and Pompton Lakes, NJ, and serve the Tri-State area, providing effective services like feline rabies vaccines to ensure your pets remain by your side for years to come.
We’re also proud to offer a range of other services to help diagnose and treat your beloved pets, along with emergency care services that are there for you when you need them most. To learn more about our rabies vaccines or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.
Service Available At:
Westwood
- 346 Kinderkamack Rd.
Westwood, NJ 07675 - 201-885-5040
- Monday to Sunday: 9 AM to 10 PM
Pompton
- 9 Cannonball Rd. Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442
- 973-835-4774
-
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 11 AM – 8 PM
Wed, Sat: 10 AM – 3 PMSunday: Closed