I've rescued a 3 week old kitten which was dumped in a garbage can. He is completely sweet and docile… but should I get vaccinated for rabies anyway? Is there any chance that he could be a carrier, although he doesn't have any symptoms, or is this not something that happens with rabies? I would have taken him to a vet already, but am overseas. Advice, please! thanks!
Animals don't show signs of rabies right away. its like a human having a virus (flu for example). We don't show signs for weeks at times and then suddenly we feel sick. Rabies is the same way, fine one day and then slowly going down hill. You're kitten is still pretty young to be having shots, I believe a kitten has to be 6-8 weeks to get shots. just watch the behavior and then bring him to the vet asap for a check up and shots. Good luck.
First, let me say it's unlikely that a tiny kitten is infected with rabies. if he is alive, he is probably older than 3 wks. He wouldn't be able to feed himself until 6 wks or more.
There are however diseases that can be present in a kitten which are passed on from Mom at birth, and can kill the kitten and also pass to other cats. if at all possible, you need to take the kitten in for a simple blood test to check for Feline Leukemia. the vet will want to vaccinate, but not for Rabies with a kitten so young. . . that won't be done until he is 4 mo old or so.
To answer your question about Rabies. . . it is actually common for an animal to be very quiet, rather than the classic image we have of an aggressive animal. the thing is, you are looking for an animal behaving in any way that is not normal. For example, many people find a bat in broad daylight and assume it is lost or something. a bat in daylight is actually disoriented and sick. . . likely with rabies. And shouldn't be handled! Even a rabid dog, can just be quiet and out of sorts.
Ellen, above, found a link with some good description scientifically. But again, your kitten doesn't likely have rabies, is probably 6 wks or older, and does need first vaccinations (not Rabies) to insure he survives and thrives…