Rabies signs are grouped into two forms - furious and paralytic.

An animal may show signs of only one type, progress from one form to the other, or show no signs other than death.

The furious form of rabies is familiar to most people. Signs may include:

• Aggression

• Loss of fear

• Daytime activity by a nocturnal species

• Attraction to noise and human activity

• Excessive vocalization

• Dilated pupils

• Difficulty swallowing

• Loss of appetite

• Restlessness

• Biting at objects or other animals

• Drooling

The paralytic form of rabies may include symptoms such as:

• Decreased activity

• Poor coordination

• Hind limb weakness

• Acting “dull”

• Cats meowing excessively

As the disease progresses, an animal affected by paralytic rabies may:

• Drop its lower jaw

• Drool

• Become unable to swallow

• Become paralyzed

• Die

It’s important to realize that not all animals show every sign. Most neurological or behavioral abnormalities could potentially be rabies.

Source: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture