Can a cat be contagious with rabies even if it doesn't show symptoms?

Rabies Transmission in Cats Without Symptoms

A cat can be contagious with rabies virus before showing any clinical symptoms. According to the CDC guidelines, rabies virus may be excreted in the saliva of infected cats during illness and/or for a few days before illness or death 1.

Rabies Transmission Timeline in Cats

• Cats can shed rabies virus in their saliva before showing any clinical signs 1
• The average incubation period in cats is 2 months, but may vary from 2 weeks to several months, or even years 2
• During this incubation period, the virus travels from the bite site to the central nervous system
• Once the virus reaches the brain, it multiplies rapidly and spreads to the salivary glands
• At this point, the cat becomes contagious, even if not yet showing symptoms

Management of Potential Rabies Exposure

When dealing with a cat that might have rabies:

1. For healthy cats that bite humans:

   • The cat should be confined and observed daily for 10 days 1
   • No rabies vaccine should be administered during this observation period
   • Any illness in the animal should be reported immediately to local health authorities
   • If the cat remains healthy for 10 days, it was not shedding rabies virus at the time of the bite 1

2. For cats exposed to potentially rabid animals:

   • Any cat bitten or scratched by a wild carnivorous mammal or bat not available for testing should be regarded as having been exposed to rabies 1
   • Unvaccinated cats should be euthanized immediately or placed in strict isolation for 6 months 1
   • Vaccinated cats should be revaccinated immediately and observed for 45 days 1

Important Considerations

• Cats are important vectors of rabies virus but are not considered reservoir species 3
• Cats are typically incidental hosts, infected with the predominant rabies virus in their geographic area 3
• Two disease manifestations have been identified in cats: the furious form and the dumb form 2
• Death occurs after a clinical course of 1-10 days once symptoms appear 2

Precautions to Take

• Any unexplained aggressive behavior or sudden behavioral change in cats must be considered suspicious 2
• Do not handle stray or unfamiliar cats, especially those showing abnormal behavior
• Ensure pet cats are vaccinated against rabies according to local regulations
• If bitten or scratched by a cat, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately

Rabies is virtually always fatal once clinical symptoms develop 4, making prevention through vaccination and proper management of potential exposures critical for both human and animal health.