Should I do this?

Question

Ok I let my cat outside every day when its nice like today was, and I was outside sweeping the porch and I turned around and saw that my cat was playing with a bat. Now I dont know if it had rabies, but I plan to take my cat and get checked out in the next 24 hours. Should I or should I not? I think I should

what I am getting at is that I want my cat checked for rabies!

Answer 1

hasw the cat been vacinated against rabies?
with bats u may be playing with fire as it is very hard to tell unless the cat starts showing signs of rabies check the cat for any wounds open cuts and take at once to the vet

Answer 2

Bats are definitely vectors for rabies in the area where I live. Any bat that is out during the daytime and that a cat can get its paws on is quite liable to be sick with something.

Rabies vaccination (which your cat probably has had) will protect the cat.

A vet might be able to tell if your cat has had a bite. He cannot determine if your cat has rabies before the incubation period for the virus is up - a week or ten days I think.

I would certainly talk to my vet about it. I don't think an immediate examination will reveal a rabies infection.

Answer 3

well in my opinion cats should be kept as indoor pets due to the amount of wild animals (and some peoples pet birds, like mind :( ) that cats kill while out n about.
cats kill so many animals every day when you let them out.

here in australia, our native wildlife is dramatically reduced, even to the brink of extinction cos of cats, both wild and pet cats ( some cats run away from their owners, killing even more animals)


it is not too likely it could have rabies unless the bat bit your cat..is your cat bleeding?
or did it break the skin of the bat? plus the bat may not even have rabies...if the bat didnt bite back then it is likely it didnt.
but if the bat was aggressive and its saliva or blood got into your cats mouth or a wound then it may have infected it...if you are concerned, take it to the vets for a checkup. although from what i know about rabies, it can only be detected once the cat is dead, so you really should have it vaccinated by now or it is likely to end up with it sooner or later and could even infect you or you family n friends...

but the best way to make sure your cat doesnt get sick is to make sure it isnt out attacking animals that may be sick...simple enough lol

anyway sorry i sounded alittle mean i really do hope all goes well for you and your cat.

Answer 4

They cannot "check" it for rabies. The only test involves sending out a portion of the brain.......requiring the cat to be DEAD!!
If the cat is up to date on rabies vaccination, a booster might be in order. States vary on the correct procedure with non-vaccinated animals that have had exposure. You should go to the vet ASAP and fill them in so the correct course can be taken to protect everyone.
Rabies is nothing to mess around with!!

If you do have the bat, they can send it out and if it test negative, you are in the clear. If positive and your cat is not vaccinated, you may be looking at euthanasia or mandatory quarantine.
That is why rabies vaccines are so important to be kept up to date!!!!

And if your cat did contract rabies from the bat, once it starts showing symptoms, death will happen. There is no cure, and you would be at great risk!! It is considered 100% fatal in humans also.

Answer 5

Bring the cat to the vet....if they have to, they will quarentine it. Let them know what happened...It is rare for a bat to be out and about during the day. Meaning that if it is doing something out of its normal routine, it might have rabies. Did the bat get away? If not, bring it to the vet so they can check it. Better to check the bat than the cat. Hope everything goes well for you. I'm crossing my fingers for you.

Answer 6

If your cat goes outside or has any possible contact with rabid animals and you have NOT vaccinated it against rabies, you are playing with fire. If a person gets bit by your cat -- even accidentally -- and you cannot prove that it is vaccinated against rabies, the law may require that your cat is put down. The other poster is right. Unless your cat has been vaccinated, the only way to prove your cat is rabies-free is during a post-mortem. Vaccinate your cat or keep it indoors only. Keep it safe, healthy and ALIVE.

Answer 7

Not every bat is going to have rabies. Has your cat ever had a rabies shot? There is no test for rabies without killing the animal. Wait to see if kitty has any sores or starts acting wild. She is probably fine.

Answer 8

I'd take the bat in and have it tested in the meantime I'd watch the cat for any significant changes in behavior or health, if it hasn't already had a rabies vaccination that's really probably a good idea. Call your vet with your concerns they'll be able to tell you what to watch for and what to do.

Answer 9

Your cat should vaccinated with every thing. Diseases, rabies,e.t.c before it goes outside. Take it to the vet NOW before something happens to your cat.

Answer 10

if you had his required rabies shot in the first place you wouldn't have that problem. my cat has all his shots it's not expensive.