Cat bit a bat, overdue for rabies shot. What should I do now?

You need to take this very seriously. The number one carrier of rabies is bats. Rabies is 100% fatal if not vaccinated/treated promptly. It can also be transferred to humans, again 100% fatal. Only two people have ever survived rabies and they have residual problems. You need to find a way to get him examined by a vet. Rabies is no joke.

Unfortunately, that would be a question for your physician since we are unqualified to comment on problems with people. It sounds like you went to the ER and they determined that there was no need for post-exposure prophylaxis. You could double check with the public health department in your area to make sure. I would think that it would be very unlikely that your cat would have clawed the bat in the mouth and then immediately clawed you to transmit rabies. In the future, keep in mind that a bat can be tested for rabies if there is concern about exposure to people.

Rabies can only be contracted by being bit by animal that is shedding the virus. The biggest concern for indoor only cats is if a bat has gotten into the house because we do not always know if that bat has bitten a cat. If Bonnie is not vaccinated for Rabies, then she may need to be quarantined for a period of time (usually 10 days) to make sure that she does not develop any signs of Rabies. That quarantine may be able to be in your house if you don't have any other animals or may need to be at a vet clinic or shelter. I would recommend contacting your veterinarian to discuss the specific legal requirements in your area. Depending on your state, she may not be able to be vaccinated for Rabies until after her quarantine period. Good luck! I hope that was helpful and answers your questions. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

I think the likelihood of you acquiring rabies is relatively low, however it is much higher for Tomas. I'd recommend making an appointment with your veterinarian to have his rabies vaccine updated and to discuss a quarantine period if needed. Even if Tomas has been exposed to rabies he would not be able to shed the virus for at least a few weeks.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Rabies laws are specific to the country. I would contact your Veterinarian regarding the laws in Russia. In the US if a healthy cat presents for a vaccine and has no previous vaccine history we give it a Rabies vaccine. It is not illegal to do so. If we find out later that is was exposed to rabies no one gets in trouble. If a cat who has been vaccinated is exposed to a possibly rabid animal we still are allowed to booster the vaccine in the US. If the vaccine is overdue we MIGHT be able to vaccinate the animal but it has to be under quarantine for 6 months. Every state is different with the laws. We usually contact the State Vet for instructions. The symptoms will not be delayed or masked. It can take up to 6 months to show symptoms of rabies post exposure. If this cat was exposed to Rabies (confirmed) BEFORE it was vaccinated it can still get Rabies and should be in a strict quarantine or be euthanized. Rabies is deadly to humans. I recommend you contact a Vet in your country for your specific laws. Good luck!

I would call your vet and ask about this specifically. If she has not yet had a rabies vaccine, she should receive one, and it would also be advisable to keep her inside away from other animals and with only 1 person interacting with her for a period of 10 days as a "quarantine," as a precaution. Thank you for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Hi there! Without confirmation of rabies infection by very specific testing it is impossible to know with certainty if an animal or person has contracted the virus. With that said, rabies infection must be always be considered when an animal comes in contact with any unvaccinated/unknown or wild animal, especially if said animal is showing neurological signs. Signs of infection typically do not occur until 5 days post initial infection. Rabies is transmitted through saliva/bites, ingestion of an infected animal, urine, and through an infected mothers milk. While it does not sound like there was any penetrating wounds, I highly recommend that you contact your regular veterinarian as soon as possible to discuss how to proceed, as the laws regarding handling potential rabies cases vary from state to state. If Scarlett is up-to-date on her rabies vaccine she may need to receive another rabies vaccine and/or be quarantined for a period of time as a precaution. Remember that people can also become infected with rabies, therefore be sure that you limiting your contact with Scarlett as well as the stray cat until you speak with your regular vet and discuss a plan moving forward.