Do cats really get rabies? Is a rabies vaccine still needed for cats?

Hello. There is no need to worry about your cat getting rabies from a mouse. Rabies must be transmitted through a bite wound & it is very unlikely that the mouse was able to bite your cat before being killed. In addition, the rate of rabies in a mouse in NYC is almost zero. If you are at all concerned, please schedule to have Seelie vaccinated, but please do not worry about this at all. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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.

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!

You should contact the health department or animal control in your area regarding your bite - they might recommend a quarantine for your cat to be sure there is no concern for rabies. No vaccine is 100% effective so while it is unlikely that the unvaccinated cat could transmit rabies to your cat it is possible. You should also probably contact your physician - cat bites often get infected!

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.

Mars definitely needs this Rabies shot. The second Rabies shot actually completes the Rabies vaccine series. He would be considered unvaccinated without it. What I recommend is an unadjuvented vaccine for cats. Some clinics have a 3 year one and others only a 1 year due to the expense of the 3 year. Even being strictly indoor Rabies is very important. Bats can get into a house and bite without leaving a large wound. So a 1 year nonadjuvented Rabies is safer than going unvaccinated! Thanks for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Hi there. I generally still recommend vaccinating indoor-only cats for rabies, since there's always the possibility that a bat or other animal could get into the house. Since rabies is a fatal disease that can also be spread to humans, it's best not to take any chances. Giving the rabies vaccine is safe, and will not reduce your kitten's lifespan.