How do you know if your cat has rabbies?

Stage One
The first stage of rabies in cats is called the Prodormal phase and lasts for one to two days. Some of the symptoms that become apparent in this phase are:

Fever spikes
Erratic behavior
Temperament changes
Excessive drooling
Pupil dilation
Fly biting, a term used when an animal snaps at objects that are not there
Seeking solitude
Headaches
Loss of appetite
Roaring
Biting objects
Itching at the site of the bite
Remember that temperament changes can be subtle. A cat that has been aloof and independent may suddenly jump into your lap and want to be petted. A cat that has previously been loving may growl and run away from the owner she has been so affectionate to in the past.

Stage Two
The second stage of rabies is called the Furious phase. This stage usually begins on the second or third day. It is during this stage that the cat will behave in an increasingly erratic way. For example it may begin to eat inedible objects like stones or sticks. Other behaviors that may be seen in this stage of rabies are:

Wandering around aimlessly
Changes in the way the voice sounds
Aggressive or violent behavior
Irritability
Biting itself
Disoriented
Seizures
No fear
Growling
Trembling
Lack of muscle coordination
[edit]Stage Three
The third stage of rabies is the Paralytic stage. This phase is also sometimes called the Dumb phase. The cat will become depressed and unresponsive. Other symptoms include:

Open mouth and protruding tongue
“Foaming” at the mouth
Increasing paralysis
Weakness
Labored breathing
Choking
Respiratory failure
Coma
Death

Rabies Vaccine
Rabies can be controlled. If your cat receives a rabies vaccine on a regular schedule, she won’t be susceptible to rabies. The vaccine is usually given when your cat is about four months old and then every year or so afterward. How often it is given depends on the type of vaccine used, so check with your vet. Many vets today are doing a 3 year Rabies.

If your pet or another animal seems to have any symptoms of cat rabies, it is important that you use caution in your interactions with it. A cat that is in the first phase of the disease can suddenly turn from docile to dangerous. A bite from an infected animal is all it takes to infect you.

There are three stages of the disease. The first is the “prodromal” phase in which there is a marked change in temperament. The quiet cat becomes agitated, and the active cat becomes nervous or shy. Other signs include dilated pupils, excessive drooling, and snapping at imaginary objects. After 2-3 days, the second phase begins. It is called the “excitatory” phase. There is an exaggerated response to any stimulus. Cats may experience bizarre changes in appetite including eating and swallowing sticks, stones, and other objects. The cat may roam aimlessly, inflict trauma upon itself, and have a change in voice. There will often be vicious, aggressive behavior, even towards its owner. Seizures may occur. Sometimes there is a third form, the “dumb” form, in which the cat becomes extremely depressed. Its mouth may gape open with the tongue protruding. A progressive paralysis sets in resulting in total body paralysis.

Rabies vaccines are very safe and very effective. It is recommended for all cats and required by law in many locales. The public health concern is so significant that even totally indoor cats should be vaccinated. Vaccination for rabies is usually performed at three to four months of age, and then every one to three years (depending on the vaccine and the local laws) thereafter.

Source Link: Rabies in cats