Please help me get over this

Mods, I wasn't sure where to put this so feel free to move it to the appropriate spot.

I need some help getting over a little problem. I want to help kittys any way I can and I have a "fear" of approaching a stray cat. I'm afraid of getting bitten and contracting rabies. Now, I know rabies in cats is pretty rare and only like 5 cases a year are reported. I also know that there's a better chance of the bite getting infected more than anything. So, why I'm I so afraid? Is it because it was drilled into my head as a child that animals can have rabies? My other concern is that if I was bitten, that I could pass it on to the baby because I'm nursing. I know they quarantine (sp?) for 10 days but that would be long enough for me to pass it on. I know there are very smart and knowledgable people on this site that can help me get over this. Thanks in advance for any and all help.

Well.... it is risky to just go up to a stray cat and try to catch it with your hands. Most people who deal with true strays will trap them first. Especially as you are nursing, I would do that.

If you have specific strays in mind, let them approach you, this takes a lot of patience, and then you can both get used to each other. A cat who is going to attack you usually does because it feels cornered, so either trapping them or letting them approach you will avoid this for the most part.

I would be more worried about other stuff than Rabies.
Rabies is actually pretty rare, and depending on where you live shouldn't even be a concern. If you are having an outbreak usually you'll hear about it on the news.

I would definitely try to trap a stray, not go after it with my hands. I have no particular stray in mind, this was just something that has been bothering me.

If you're looking for a way to help out cats (or animals in general) try volunteering at a 100 % no kill facility. Let the pro's do the dirty work (trapping them) and you could just go to the shelter and play with them! Showing them love and affection. I used to volunteer one evening a week. I left the shelter feeling good about myself. One person can make a huge difference in stray's believe it or not. I mean even if you only helped 1 stray, that's still 1 life saved. You've got a big heart! Congrats on the baby

Thanks for the congrats. I have thought about volunteering. But my problem is, what if I come across a stray cat. They have a tendency to wander into our backyard

Originally Posted by goosehazel

Thanks for the congrats. I have thought about volunteering. But my problem is, what if I come across a stray cat. They have a tendency to wander into our backyard

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You could buy a trap, and trap the ones that wander into your life, while still doing the volunteer work an a more regular basis. Maybe something like that would work for you?

Originally Posted by Satai

You could buy a trap, and trap the ones that wander into your life, while still doing the volunteer work an a more regular basis. Maybe something like that would work for you?

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That could work Of course, then I'll want to keep all the ones I trap