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My unvaccinated cat is vomiting, has diarrhea, won't eat. Rabies?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 4 months and 6 days old | 4 lbs

Hi there. Im Arbe from the Philippines. I would like to ask if vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite related to rabies? He had loss of appetite yesterday, soft to loose stools and started vomiting last night. Im worried because my pet cat's teeth caused a very small scratch on my right hand and it minimally bleeds last sunday, Nov 20, and I decided to observe him first before I have my vaccine. My cat is 4 months old, no vaccine yet and only stays inside our home. Thanks in advance!

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on November 23rd, 2016

Hi Arbe! The symptoms you described are not related to rabies, they are more likely signs of intestinal parasites, a GI illness, eating something rotten, or a foreign body. If Ash isn't up to date on his deworming treatments, you will need to get one from the vet. I would not be worried about rabies, but you can't get him vaccinated until he is feeling better. I would try a home remedy first before taking him into the vet for treatment. I recommend withholding food for 12-24 hours, then feeding a bland diet of boiled white meat chicken (no bones) in small amounts several times a day for a couple of days. Then slowly add back in his normal diet. If the vomiting continues in the absence of food, he vomits the bland diet, the diarrhea continues on the bland diet, stops drinking water, starts vomiting water, or becomes very lethargic, he will need to see a vet right away.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    No, these are not signs of rabies. Your cat is probably suffering from a gastrointestinal infection, possibly cat distemper which is a very serious condition. You need to bring him to the vet to get treated as soon as you can.

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