Rabies is a deadly virus that affects warm-blooded animals, including humans. Usually transmitted through saliva when an affected animal bites its victim, rabies can also enter the body through deep scratch wounds or even, in some cases, through inhalation. Once in the victim's system, the rabies virus multiplies and eventually enters the nervous system, traveling to the spinal cord and brain. The victim may hallucinate, see imaginary objects, or have seizures. A rabid animal may attack other animals or even its owner. Once infected, any animal who hasn't been vaccinated against rabies will eventually die.

Rabies is no longer a problem in the UK and Australia, although it is still quite common in other areas, including mainland Europe. Until recently in the UK you needed a special permit to have your animals vaccinated against rabies, but the pets passport scheme has changed this.

If your cat is not going to travel, there is little reason to have a rabies vaccine, but if you are concerned at least you now have the choice. If rabies does appear, I would advise that you get your cat vaccinated as soon as you can. When you go abroad, avoid handling wild mammals that could be carrying the virus; it is still a killer disease.

Excerpted from The K.I.S.S. Guide to Cat Care by Steve Duno
Copyright 2001 by Steve Duno.
Excerpted by permission of Dorling Kindersley Publishing Inc.
All rights reserved.
No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.