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My playful kitten bites and licks. Should I worry about rabies?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female

Holly is a ten weeks old kitten. I was wondering if she had rabies. She is behaving good and she does not have any scratch marks or bites. But she is very playful and she licks me and scratches me. I am very scared.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on August 2nd, 2018

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

It is normal for kittens to lick and bite and scratch when playing. If Holly is an indoor kitten and hasn't had any previous bite wounds from other animals she is likely fine. At 10 weeks old she is too young to have the Rabies vaccine but she can soon. I would take her to a vet and discuss your countries Rabies laws on how old she has to be to get it. In the US the average range is 12-16 weeks. In the meantime if you are nervous try to minimize handling and do not allow her to bite or scratch. If she becomes ill or dies then have her tested for Rabies. For her to GIVE you Rabies the virus has to be in the advanced stages (in her salivary glands) and she would show symptoms in 10 days. Again you are likely fine, but consider confining her in a room with food/water and litter box and do not handle her for 10 days. If at day 10 she is fine then you are fine. Then get her vaccinated.

Good luck!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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