Cats are extremely popular pets in the western world being the second most commonly kept animal after dogs.
Due to their massive popularity, we constantly see people reaching out and asking a range of different questions about keeping a pet cat to make sure that they have the best quality of life possible.
The issue with cats is that they tend to have a mischievous nature and will naturally go off and hunt even if they know they are getting a meal when they go home.
Due to this, we see people reaching out worried after their pet cat caught a bat during one of its hunting sessions so we wanted to publish this article to try and help as many of our readers as possible.
Is It Common For A Cat To Catch A Bat?
While it is not exactly common, it is not rare for a cat to catch a bat either.
This is because bats are small, fast and agile creatures which make them quite the challenge for a cat to catch.
However, as we said, cats are natural hunters so they will continue to try and catch them regardless.
The more bats in your local area, the higher the chances are of your pet cat being able to catch one, especially if your cat is able to find a bat that is sleeping.
Can Cats Get Sick From Bats?
The short answer to this question is yes, cats can get sick from bats.
This is because bats are known to carry a range of diseases which can be transmitted to other animals, including cats.
Some of the more common diseases that bats can transmit to cats include rabies and lyssavirus.
Rabies is a virus that attacks the nervous system and is almost always fatal.
Lyssavirus is a similar virus to rabies but is not as well known.
It also attacks the nervous system but can sometimes be treated if caught early enough.
However, both of these diseases are very serious and we would advise you to take your cat to the vet immediately if you think they may have been exposed to either of them.
What Do I Do If My Cat Catches A Bat?
If your cat has caught a bat, the first thing you should do is try and keep them calm and contained.
This is because bats can be aggressive when they are scared and may bite or scratch your cat which could lead to them contracting one of the diseases we mentioned earlier.
Once you have contained your cat, you should take them to the vet as soon as possible so that they can be checked for any exposure to rabies or lyssavirus.
You should also contact your local animal control to come and collect the bat so that it can be tested for these diseases.
What Happens If My Cat Killed A Bat?
If your cat has killed a bat, you should still take them to the vet as soon as possible.
This is because there is a chance that the bat could have scratched or bitten your cat before it died which could lead to them contracting one of the diseases we mentioned earlier.
You should also dispose of the bat properly to prevent any further exposure to these diseases.
The best way to do this is to place the bat in a plastic bag and then put it in the freezer until you can take it to the vet or animal control.
How Likely Is A Cat To Get Rabies?
While it is not common for a cat to get rabies, it is still a possibility if they are exposed to the virus.
This is because rabies is a very serious disease that can be fatal if not treated immediately.
The best way to prevent your cat from getting rabies is to make sure that they are up to date on their vaccinations.
You should also avoid letting them roam free outside as this increases the chances of them coming into contact with a rabid animal.
What Are The Symptoms Of Rabies In Cats?
The symptoms of rabies in cats can vary but some of the more common ones include:-
- Changes in behavior.
- Increased levels of aggression.
- Weakness.
- Paralysis.
- Seizures.
If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, you should take them to the vet immediately as rabies is a very serious disease that can be fatal if not treated immediately.
Can Cats Survive Rabies?
While it is possible for a cat to survive rabies, it is very rare.
This is because rabies is a very serious disease that attacks the nervous system and is almost always fatal.
The best way to prevent your cat from getting rabies is to make sure that they are up to date on their vaccinations.
You should also avoid letting them roam free outside as this increases the chances of them coming into contact with a rabid animal.
What Are The Symptoms Of Lyssavirus In Cats?
The symptoms of lyssavirus in cats can vary but some of the more common ones include:-
- Headache
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Paralysis
- Delirium
- Convulsions
If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, you should take them to the vet immediately as lyssavirus is a very serious disease that can be fatal if not treated immediately.
Conclusion
We hope that this article has helped to answer some of the questions you may have had about your pet cat catching a bat.
If your cat has caught a bat, the most important thing to do is to remain calm and take them to the vet as soon as possible.
You should also contact your local animal control to collect the bat so that it can be tested for rabies and lyssavirus.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your local veterinarian.
