Rabies more likely in cats than dogs

Cats are four times more likely to get rabies than dogs.
Photo Credit: Morguefile.com/forghis

Cats are four times more likely to get rabies than dogs, according to a recent report issued by the CDC.

Cat rabies in the United States

According to the report, issued September 15, 2009 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 294 cases of feline rabies were diagnosed in the US in 2008. In 2007, the number of cats diagnosed with rabies was 262, representing a 12% increase in the number of feline rabies cases seen in 2008 as compared to 2007.

Fewer cases of rabies in dogs, compared to feline rabies

In dogs, only 75 cases of rabies were identified in 2008, according to the report. The number of cases of canine rabies actually decreased between 2007 and 2008, with 93 rabid dogs diagnosed in 2007.

The total number of dogs diagnosed with rabies was roughly only 25% of the total number of feline rabies cases reported in 2008, indicating that cats are infected with the rabies virus far more often than dogs.

Majority of rabies cases in the United States found in wildlife

In 2008, a total of 6841 cases of rabies were reported in the US and Puerto Rico. This number is decreased from 7060 total cases reported in 2007, representing a decline of 3.1%.

Wildlife infected with rabies accounted for 93% of the the total cases of rabies identified within the United States in 2008. Among those cases, raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes were the most commonly infected with rabies, though other rabid species were identified as well.

Human rabies cases in the United States

Only 2 human cases of rabies were diagnosed in the United States in 2008, compared to one case identified in 2007.

Vaccinating cats for rabies is important

Though it appears that vaccination programs have been reasonably effective in controlling canine rabies, this does not appear to be as true of feline rabies. Likely, this is a result of fewer cats actually receiving vaccinations against rabies. In fact, cats are less likely than dogs to visit their veterinarian for any reason.

Another factor likely playing a role in the discrepancy is the fact that cats are more likely to be exposed to wildlife than dogs. This is particularly true of cats which are allowed to spend time outdoors and cats which live in feral cat colonies.

There may be other factors at play in the situation as well. However, it is clear that vaccinating cats against rabies needs to become a priority for pet owners, especially for those that allow their cats to go outside regularly. Short of keeping cats indoors exclusively, it may be difficult to limit their exposure to wildlife.

Readers who enjoyed this article might also enjoy:

• Canine and Feline Rabies: Rabies in Dogs and Cats - Symptoms, Control and Vaccination
• Risks and Benefits of Pet Vaccinations: Balancing the Risk of Vaccine Reactions Against the Risk of Disease
• Pet health 101: Are vaccinations safe for dogs and cats?
• Rabies fact: Over 55000 human deaths occur yearly

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