RABIES AND ITS PREVENTION IN CATS

Rabies in cats is really a "subproduct" of the rabies transmitted by the main vectors of dogs and woodland animals, and rarely exceeds more than 5 % of cases. Clinically it differs little from rabies in other carnivores, except that the enraged state is more spectacular. Cats are more sensitive than dogs to certain strains, and although they bite less frequently, they are more dangerous when they do so, as they are more liable to excrete the virus, and do so to a greater extent. A lasting intra-specific cycle of feline rabies has however never been established for reasons that are probably both ethological and ecological. The prevention of feline rabies can have two classical aspects: hygenic or medical prophylaxy. The former in cats is limited to attempting to avoid the cat having contact with vector animals, either by limiting the cat's freedom or by eliminating ferral cats in the contaminated areas. Medical prevention in cats was a long-standing difficulty, as no efficient vaccines were available. The situation has greatly evolved over recent years, as inactive virus vaccines that are perfectly safe and that give longlasting immunity are now available. Cat-owners should therefore be encouraged to have their pets vaccinated against rabies.