Can cats get rabies?

Rabies is a serious infection of the nervous system that can affect mammals, including cats. An infected cat may spread the virus through saliva, usually when it bites. Scratches can also matter if saliva has contaminated the claws. Touching a cat, its fur, or intact skin is not the same as an exposure. The risk depends on the animal's health, vaccination history, behaviour, and whether saliva reached broken skin, the eyes, mouth, or another mucous membrane.

Wash a bite or scratch promptly with running water and soap, without scrubbing deeply or sealing the wound. Avoid putting irritants into it. Record when the contact happened and what occurred, including whether the cat is known, vaccinated, available for observation, or behaving unusually. Contact a medical service urgently for an exposure assessment; do not wait for symptoms. A clinician may discuss wound care and [Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/rabies-post-exposure-prophylaxis/).

Seek urgent medical help after any bite that breaks skin, a scratch contaminated with saliva, or saliva contact with the eyes, mouth, or broken skin. Go promptly for a wound on the face, head, neck, hand, or near a joint, or if bleeding will not stop. Emergency care is appropriate for severe bleeding, breathing difficulty, confusion, weakness, or trouble swallowing. Ask about [Rabies Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/rabies-vaccination/) if you work with animals or have an ongoing exposure risk.

Ask whether the contact counts as an exposure, whether the wound needs additional treatment, and what information about the cat should be shared with public health or veterinary services. Confirm which warning signs require immediate return.