My cat bit me. Am I safe from rabies if it's alive after 10 days?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

  Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

  Published on January 24th, 2020

  Hi there. If an animal is still alive and healthy 10 days after a bite incident, then you can be confident that they were not capable of transmitting the virus at the time of the bite. This is because once the rabies virus is in the salivary glands, neurologic signs and death will follow within a short time. So in general, if a bite occurred a month ago and the cat is still alive and acting normal, this should indicate that there was no rabies exposure at that time.
  
  However, I strongly recommend discussing your health concerns with your own physician. As veterinarians, we cannot legally give any human health advice.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA

  Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

  Published on June 22nd, 2018

  Dogs who are actively infected and contagious in their saliva with Rabies virus will be dead within 10 days. If you have human health concerns please reach out to you physician as we are veterinarians and can not provide direction on human healthcare. However, it sounds as if your dog is really struggling and I would encourage you to consider having him evaluated by your veterinarian soon. They will be able to guide you with supportive care to keep him comfortable during this time. Best of luck and I hope he does well. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

  

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• Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

  Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

  Published on February 27th, 2020

  HI there. A dog who is shedding the virus in its saliva already has an advanced stage of rabies, and would be expected to die within 7-10 days. So if a bite occurs and the animal still alive and healthy 10 days later, this is not considered to be a rabies exposure.
  
  If someone is bitten by a stray animal that cannot be caught for testing or quarantine, then post-exposure rabies treatment is typically recommended - at least by most health departments here in the United States. I would recommend getting in touch with your local public health officials where you are, or speaking to your own physician, to get advice on what should be done in your case.

  

  2Pet Parents found this answer helpful