I have a 3 year old cat who is not that very friendly to other people. She is very sweet to my husband and I but whenever we have visitors, I always warned them to not touch my cat because she might scratch them - just a precaution. My brother brought an obnoxious guest the other day, I warned him and all that about my cat and he still was very disrespectful despite of what I said...He bothered my "sleeping" cat of course, as reflex, my cat doesn't know him at all she scratched him and made this scary meow noise (that I never heard her meow like tha before!) make the long story short, a week after this idiot got scratched..he called and asking about my cat's vaccine records - he was saying that his hands is swollen due to the scratch. My problem is, my cat is behind 2 years of vaccine. I don't want anything bad to happened...BUT IT WAS HIS FAULT! have he not bothered my cat he wouldn't get scratched. I am very upset. Could he get a rabies virus?am I in trouble? Please advise!
2007-09-30 10:34:25 · 8 answers · asked by KrisB11 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
My cat is an indoor cat and she never stepped outdoors eversince! Also, she doesn't bite at all!Im just upset because he bothered my cat-while she was sleeping!(the idiot carried her! he is so creepy!)
2007-09-30 11:18:36 · update #1
He actually went to a doctor because his hand was swollen..he said that the doctor was the one asking for my cat's vaccine records. My husband told him that we need a letter from the doctor before we forward her records. My cat is not aggresive...she is not use to people, if she doesn't know you and you tried to carry her or pet her, then yes...she will scratch you. I will never - ever having creepy visitors again!
2007-09-30 11:21:53 · update #2
In response to KimbeeJ, my cat was in the other room and my brother and his friends STILL went in and he bothered my cat. I know my fault is that her vaccine is behind - I get that...But please do not judge me. By me saying that my cat is not "friendly" that doesn't mean she is an aggresive and harmful cat! I had numerous visitors before--toddlers, teens,elderly--she never scratch any of them. She just doesn't like peting or carrying her around that's not her. The damage is done, I am just asking for an advice - I never want anyone (including that jerk) to get hurt. My husband and I do not deserve to be disrespected by him.
2007-09-30 15:14:09 · update #3
Titers from the vaccine stay for several years, so if the cat had a rabies vaccine even 3 years ago she's covered. USually vets only hold the animal for 10 days, if no rabies exibits itself then the cat is free of it. Considering she's totally indoors, it should not be a problem. Besides, scratches don't spread rabies, bites do and she didn't bite him. The saliva is where rabies is spread from.
His swelled hand is likely from bacteria that got in, cat scratches will do that. Since bacteria from a scratch is totally different than non-existent rabies from a bite, he shouldn't worry and just should treat the scratches. Since he provoked the cat, it's mostly his fault. But you should pay to cover his medical expenditures (sad but true, it's only fair, even for idiots). If he insists on the rabies thing, a 10 day quarantine and then a vet check of the cat will clear that up.
2007-09-30 16:46:26 · answer #1 · answered by Elaine M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is always a possibility but i would be more worried about cat scratch fever not the song the disease since cats nails tend to be dirty he couldve gotten an infection and would need to go to the doctor immidiatly however in this case since you repeatedly told this person its a dangerous cat and he walked up to it anyway knowing the risks let him take you to court i dont think your at fault with the exception of the vaccines.if he gets rabies which i think would be highly unlikely then he could sue becouse of your lack of care.however the sad news is is theyd have to test the cat for this and theres only one way to do that but if hes only an indoor cat and has never been outside in those two years you can make that argument.
with that extra tidbit of info then no you should have no problems tell this idiot to buck off or take you to court.you did warn him the cat did not like people and might scratch if it has had no other complaints regarding being a viscous animal YOU WILL WIN IN COURT.i have seen many court cases like this and unless you were completly negligent which i dont think you were no problem with an indoor cat there would be no reason other than your own saftey or the cats general health to get shots and not going outside why would that be an issue unless he were to escape. i have lots of friends with indoor cats and no vaccs.hes an idiot and deserved what he got there are certain known risks with animals this would be one of them.
2007-09-30 10:42:36 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The (fool) has pasturella an infection it is an organism that cats carry of their mouths (and it gets on their claws while they wash). virtually all cats carry this. that is honestly dealt with with Augmentum (a powerful penicillin). That being stated, the cat does no longer get vaccinated for this. there is not any vaccine for this! And, that's no longer rabies and he won't get rabies (or you & your husband might are transforming into it an prolonged time in the past). Your husband has some creepy buddies. yet another ingredient is to have the vet clip (no longer eliminate) your cat's claws so as that they are boring & short (or do it your self with clippers) or they have glue-on plastic covers that pass over the claws. besides, if the (jerk) calls back you may tell him what he has & would not have.
2016-11-06 21:09:51 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rabies can be spread from a scratch (but not as easily as from a bite). You admit to having an "unfriendly" cat...this in itself makes you liable to anyone who comes into your home. The cat should be locked away in another room to protect your guests. It does not matter if the guy was an idiot and touched your cat, you are liable. It is the law in this country that all dogs and cats be vaccinated against rabies yearly or every 3 years, according to your state and county's requirement. They can fine you for not having it vaccinated--it does not matter if the cat does not go outside or not--rabies is a serious matter and is almost always fatal. It has been known for indoor cats to contract rabies from killing bats (common carriers of rabies) who get in the house. You could be held financially liable for this guys medical bills.
2007-09-30 11:53:02 · answer #4 · answered by KimbeeJ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The rabies virus is transmitted in saliva. If your cat bit him, it would be possible, but not if he was only scratched.
He may have contracted 'cat scratch fever', or bartonella. It is caused by a bacteria and is found in many cats. It usually does not make the cat sick. It usually does not make people sick either, unless they have a weak immune system. It is transmitted by fleas, so make sure to use topical flea control, such as Frontline, on your cat.
From your description, it sounds like this guy deserved to get scratched. Although it isn't fair to you or your cat, I would suggest that in the future, make sure your kitty is shut in another room when you have questionable company.
There is nothing that he could have gotten from your cat that would have anything to do with her vaccines. Tell him to go to his doctor and get it checked out.
Hopefully he will leave you alone after that.
Good luck.
2007-09-30 10:48:00 · answer #5 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He can't get rabies from a cat scrtch. He can, however get Bartonella Henslea (Cat Scrtch Disease or fever). You need to get your cat vaccinated anyway. Knowing that she can be aggressive, you need to be responsible and keep her vaccination current for not only your protection, but hers as well. Are you in trouble? I wouldn't think so, however, this guy may be able to go after you for having a "dangerous animal". Cats are not usually considered the same as dogs as in "controlable" but possibly offering to help this fool pay his medical bill should he seek medical attention may smooth things over.
2007-09-30 10:58:52 · answer #6 · answered by ahmmrgrl 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If your cat is inside it is probably safe from rabbies.The guy that was scratched my br alergic to cats which would answer the swelling problem.
2007-10-08 01:45:46 · answer #7 · answered by Sweet Baby 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
pardon me for laughing but the loser got what he deserved. dont worry about your pet having rabies,it would already be dead if it did. as far as releasing records tell him to pi$$ up a rope, if he wants the records let him get them by supena.
2007-10-07 21:39:27 · answer #8 · answered by supersix4_1993 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋