I was bit by the new feral (rabies concern?)

savethekitty

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I am researching rabies because I was feeding a couple of strays and one got jealous when I was feeding the other and bit me on my arm.

I have a small scratch type wound. Nothing too deep. Looks like any other scratch, but it was a bite and a some skin was broken. I washed and put alcohol on it.

I am worried just a little since these strays were neutered a couple of weeks ago by the local TNR program. They showed up where I live just when they were released or a day or 2 later from surgery, and I know this because their hair on their bellies was newly shaved with a green tattoo made by the TNR people.

Supposedly, when they neuter them they also vaccinate for rabies and feline leukemia.

So if this cat was vaccinated 2 weeks ago against rabies, do you think there is a good chance he does not have it?

He is not aggressive, I think he was just overwhelmed by something I did. Surely my fault anyways.

I am thinking about retiring from helping cats lol... too many risks. :) (kidding)
 

denice

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I really have no idea.  If it were me I would call the department responsible for rabies control in your area and ask them.  I know here in Ohio it is the county health department.  I know in Ohio, each state is different, it will probably mean trapping and quarantining.  I know that isn't something you want to have done but rabies is something not to be messed with.
 

catlover73

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This may also be a concern you could discuss with your vet.  Perhaps contact the vet at the place that fixed the cat.  They may also be able to give you advice.
 
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savethekitty

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will do. I already have a carrier set up to grab this cat and will bring him in tomorrow. 

Unfortunately there is not test for rabies, just observation for the cat (from what I read). 
 

Willowy

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There IS a test for rabies but you have to kill the cat :/. If you don't want the cat killed be sure to make Animal Control tell you the truth. Sometimes they lie and tell you they won't kill the animal but they do.

I believe 2 weeks is long enough to have developed immunity from a vaccine. Hopefully because the cat is currently vaccinated they will go ahead with quarantine. Make them tell you who they'll charge for it. Don't want to get an unexpected bill ;).
 
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pgalore

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I would say that if the cat was vaccinated 2 weeks ago, you should be fine. I would keep an eye on him to make sure behavior does not change. If you REALLY think there is a chance that he has rabies, go to doctor and get shots. Have you had any cases of rabies in the area? The shots are not as barbaric as they used to be. It is a series of 3-4 shots in the upper arm muscle over a week or 2. I have been given the shots because I work with wildlife and they truly are not painful and they last for years. I get my titer checked and is still in my system and it has been 15 yrs since I got the shots. Also, my insurance paid for the shots. 
 
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savethekitty

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There IS a test for rabies but you have to kill the cat :/. If you don't want the cat killed be sure to make Animal Control tell you the truth. Sometimes they lie and tell you they won't kill the animal but they do.

I believe 2 weeks is long enough to have developed immunity from a vaccine. Hopefully because the cat is currently vaccinated they will go ahead with quarantine. Make them tell you who they'll charge for it. Don't want to get an unexpected bill
.
You mean Animal control would quarantine the cat or a private vet of my choosing? That would probably be expensive. 

I will take him to a private vet tomorrow for a complete evaluation (this is the guy I think has either rignworm or scabbies as well). 

Today he even has a swollen lip, probably from trying to eat a bee or something that stung him on the mouth. The poor guy is a mess, but he is friendly. I think he bit me because when I reached for the plate I blocked him from the only exit he had and he felt cornered or even jealous of the other cat. 

Anyways. This is exhausting. Tomorrow I will know more. Hopefully I do not need vaccines. 
 
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