Cats themselves do not carry the rabies virus, but they may be infected by bites or contact with animals that carry the virus. Rabies is an animal-borne infectious disease caused by the rabies virus, which mainly affects mammals, including dogs, cats, bats, etc. The virus is spread through the saliva of infected animals, often through bites to humans or other animals.
Although cats are not the primary transmitters of rabies, in some cases cats may carry and spread the virus. This usually occurs when a cat is bitten by a rabid animal and the virus enters the cat's body and begins to replicate. Once a cat is infected, it may become a carrier of the virus and spread it when in contact with other animals or humans.
It is worth noting that normal, healthy cats usually do not carry rabies virus. Cats can become infected with the virus only under certain circumstances, such as after being bitten by an infected animal or coming into contact with an infectious source. Therefore, the key to preventing rabies is to avoid contact with animals that may carry the virus and to vaccinate pet cats and dogs.
For humans, immediate precautions should be taken if bitten by a cat or exposed to the saliva of a cat that may carry the virus. This includes cleaning wounds, administering vaccinations, etc. Rabies is a serious disease that is almost incurable once infected, so prevention is crucial.
In daily life, we should strengthen the management of pets, vaccinate them regularly, and avoid contact with animals that may carry viruses to ensure the safety of humans and animals. At the same time, if you are bitten by a cat or come into contact with a cat that may carry the virus, you should go to the nearest hospital or vaccination center as soon as possible to take preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection.
