Rabies: always factor in felines

Rabies: always factor in felines


Rabies most often affects wild animals, like raccoons, bats, skunks and foxes. But in the United States, cats top the list of domestic animals that get rabies. For example, in 2012 alone, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention logged 257 cases of rabies in cats compared to 84 cases in dogs nationwide.

Of course, both cats and dogs risk contracting rabies if they come in contact with wild animals. But some cat parents think their housebound felines are free of risk. However, even stay-at-home kitties can escape. What’s more, in some states, the law demands that any cat unvaccinated for rabies that scratches or bites a person be euthanized.

So while most people know that dogs need rabies vaccinations, don’t forget to factor in felines too. Rabies vaccination can save a cat’s life in more ways than one. Contact your veterinarian to schedule a vaccination.

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