Cats have a hunting instinct that can make them very effective at killing rats. However, rat poison may be more appropriate to deal with rat populations, as cats may not be inclined to attempt this feat on their own accord. So unless your cat is specifically trained to kill rats, they won’t usually attempt this feat on their own accord.
Rodent Illnesses
Rodent illnesses are a problem that many people are familiar with. When this happens, it often results in rodent infestations in homes or businesses. This is where cats come into the picture – they’re usually the culprits behind rat Illnesses.
Rodent illnesses are a common problem in homes and businesses, and cats can be a significant culprit. You can do a few things to help prevent rat Illnesses from happening in the first place. Foremost is keeping rodent food away from your cat’s food and water dishes.
Call a professional to get them taken care of if rodent illnesses occur. And last but not least, keep an eye on your cat – if they’re behaving strangely or seem sick, take them to the vet for a check-up.
Types of Rodent Illnesses in Cats
Each type of rodent illness has its symptoms, so it’s important to rule out the cause before treating your cat. For example, if you think your cat is exhibiting any of the following signs, take them to a veterinarian for further examination: drooling, increased drinking, diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, or excessive scratching.
Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is a severe infection that can be fatal in cats if not treated quickly and correctly. This parasite is spread through the feces of infected animals, including cats.
The main symptom of toxoplasmosis in cats is anemia, but there are other symptoms too. These include lethargy, fever, seizures, loss of appetite, and muscle weakness. If left untreated, toxoplasmosis can also lead to blindness or even death. To ensure your cat’s safety and avoid any potential problems down the line, make sure to keep it healthy by maintaining its food clean and free from parasites like toxoplasma gondii
Intestinal Parasites
If your cat has recently been traveling to an area where rat infestation is expected, it may be at risk of infection. Intestinal parasites can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss in cats. If left untreated, the parasite could spread to other parts of the cat’s body and even kill them.
One common type of intestinal parasite that infects cats is the feline panleukopenia virus (FPV). FPV is highly contagious among felines and can be passed on through contact with rodent droppings or saliva. Treatment usually includes antibiotics and a change in your cat’s diet to help weaken the parasites.
Plague Bacteria
Plague bacteria is a bacterial infection that can be spread to other areas of your home through rat droppings, which could cause rat infestations. If you notice any of the following signs in your cat, it’s best to get them checked out by a veterinarian as soon as possible: coughing, sneezing, fever, etcetera.
Suppose your cat is infected with plague bacteria whose environment (home) has been affected by rat droppings. In that case, they will require antibiotics and need to live in an isolated area until the infection has been conquered.
Hantavirus
If you think your cat may have contracted the Hantavirus, you must take them to the vet for a diagnosis and treatment. This virus can be deadly if not treated properly, so don’t wait – act now! Cats contracting this virus show fever, coughing, difficulty breathing, and diarrhea.
Keeping all rodents out of your home is essential to prevent your cat from catching them – rats included. Ensure you’re taking basic steps such as cleaning up rodent droppings and disposing of old food items away from where cats might scavenge.
When cats contract Hantavirus, it does not automatically mean they will also get parvovirus. The risk of a cat getting parvovirus from hantavirus exposure is minimal, as they are different viruses with distinct transmission routes.
Tularemia
Rodent-borne diseases are a significant concern for cat owners, and tularemia is no exception. Tularemia is an infection that can be passed from rats to cats. If your cat shows any of the following symptoms, please take them to the veterinarian: fever, lethargy, seizures, bloody diarrhea, or an inability to drink water.
Rodenticide Toxicity
Rodenticides can be toxic to cats if ingested, in contact with the skin or eyes, or if it gets into their system through food. If your cat shows any of the following signs of illness, take them to the vet for an examination and advice on how to treat them: high fever, coughing, sneezing, or excessively drinking water.
Symptoms of Rodent Illnesses in Cats
Be aware of the symptoms of rodent illnesses in cats to take the appropriate steps to treat them. For example, suppose your cat is showing any of the following symptoms. In that case, it may be suffering from a rodent infection: being unable to stay warm or cool, excessive hairballs or diarrhea, loss of appetite or energy, and sneezing.
Depending on your cat’s rodent infection, it may require antibiotics and food changes. If you’re unsure if your cat has a rodent illness, take them to the vet for an examination and testing. Remember that some types of rat infections are not treatable with antibiotics. Rodent control tips for cat owners
Prevention is always better than cure – so keep your cat indoors at all times and ensure there are no food or water sources nearby that could attract rats. Contact your veterinarian for further advice on rodent infestation as soon as possible. Other symptoms to watch out for include vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures in cats.
