My cat was accidentally left outside yesterday for about an hour, the longest she's ever been out in her 11 years. She was on our 2nd level porch & there was another weird cat on the porch w/her. She's been acting weird ever since. Just wanting to sleep & has a loss of appetite (more like it's just painful for her to eat). I'd explain more, but I think it would be too involved in text to make any sense…Not that this did either…
If your cat came into contact with a rabid cat yesterday, there's no way it would be showing symptoms by today. Rabies takes time to travel through the cat's system, usually a few weeks.
If your cat has been vaccinated against rabies, it will probably need a follow-up immediately, just in case (that's what they do with people). If you wait a few weeks and then your cat shows signs of rabies, it will be too late. once they start showing symptoms, there is no way to cure it.
Not all rabid cats become vicious. they do become lethargic and quit eating in the END stages.
Your cat is most likely freaked out be being outside and also by encountering another cat. Ask your vet about a rabies booster.
Cats can get sick from contact with other cats, who may show no symptoms of illness. it is probably an upper respiratory virus, and some cats carry it and never exhibit symptoms. Your cat can get a sore throat, just like you, and that makes swallowing painful. rather than fearing rabies, I would be more inclined to think your cat got a really bad cold and now has a secondary infection (sore throat). it can be dangerous and cats can die from it, as a result of dehydration.
Please take your kitty to the vet for a check.
I don't think you have anything to worry about. there is a VERY small chance that your cat would have picked up rabies in that short amount of time and it has an incubation period. I would take her to the vet to rule out dental disease, cat bite abcess or other issue
If you een think she has rabies get her to a vet for your protection and to save her life. One thing animals with rabies hate is drinking water and they will froth at the mouth. But don't wait.
She could have just been in a fight and is scared, but cats also get HIV, not the human kind and humans don't get this AT ALL. But take her to a vet immediately and as for the weird cat in your neighbourhood call human society and have them pick it up if it has rabies it could be fatal for you or any children in the area.
Another thing they lose their balance, just don't wait. It's scary stuff. good luch to you and your cat.