We have this cat that just showed up at our house a few weeks ago. She is extremely friendly and my husband has been feeding her. I went outside today, and she was there. Her eye has been injured. I petted her for a few seconds. She is showing no signs of rabies but my father is paranoid about it. What are the chances that I could have contracted it? I understand it is spread through saliva? What about when she cleans her fur?
2007-11-06 10:42:56 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
HIGHLY unlikely!!!!!!!!! You would need an open area where the virus can enter from the saliva......if she had rabies.
2007-11-06 10:46:24 · answer #1 · answered by ARE YOUR NEWFS GELLIN'? 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is updated CDC information for the looking online.
You can't get rabies from petting a cat. Most cats won't have rabies anyway--if they're vaccinated they certainly won't. You need to be bitten to get rabies and would only get it if the cat is a carrier. Skunks, foxes and bats are known carriers - you can find out what's been reported in your area by calling the health department or the Humane society. I sincerely doubt a friendly, healthy acting cat has anything you need to worry about except possibly fleas.
A cat who has rabies is a sick cat. Their fur will look spiky and awful, and the disease affects the ability to swallow (they want to drink but can't, which is where the term hydrophobia got applied to this). If the cat was acting fine, it's fine. Don't let someone put bad PR on animals needing your affection and assistance. His fears are groundless.
2007-11-06 20:54:52 · answer #2 · answered by Elaine M 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You cannot get rabies from petting a cat. Yes, there was saliva on her fur, but rabies only spreads if the saliva gets into your blood or into your internal system. The saliva only got on your hand, and was on the outside.
2007-11-06 20:08:21 · answer #3 · answered by Animal Magic 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You cannot get rabies from petting a cat. The injury does not sound like rabies though. She most likely has something in her eye that is irritating her or there is an infection in her eye.
2007-11-06 18:49:50 · answer #4 · answered by Emily 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, absolutely not. It requires a a transfer of infected mucous to a membrane or lesion. Please see Rabies site below. Petting a cat who may or may not have rabies is not probable. How kind of you to care for an injured stray, please don't let someone else's unfounded paranoia make you less compassionate to our four legged friends. It sounds like this cat could really use a friend. I hope you continue to help her. Good Luck and God Bless.
2007-11-06 18:50:34 · answer #5 · answered by Noelle M 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is no chance of you contracting rabies from petting a stray cat
2007-11-06 18:46:23 · answer #6 · answered by Electric Dazeys 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't believe it is possible but because you are feeding her, I assume you have decided to to keep her. You should immediatly get her checked out by a vet. Or, see if anyone is missing a cat. Letting a feral cat (if she is feral) run around is what causes overpopulation. Decide if you are keeping her, fix her and give her love. If you are not considering her to be your pet, then please take her to a shelter and stop giving the cat false hope that she has a home. Good luck!
2007-11-06 18:52:44 · answer #7 · answered by Jenn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No the rabies has to get into your blood or your mucus membranes . i doubt the cat has rabies anyway
2007-11-06 18:46:19 · answer #8 · answered by Pandora's box 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
u dont have rabies from petting a cat my friend thoght so to but not true
2007-11-06 18:53:08 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Probably not. Only if it's a stray. Otherwise, no.
2007-11-06 18:50:24 · answer #10 · answered by <3 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋