Prayers for Calza-Possible Rabies Exposure

BLCOLE

Active member
Calza sniffed out a feral kitten on our evening walk. Instead of running, the feral kitten stood its ground and bit / scratched / clawed Calza. The fact that the kitten was feral and acted in the manner it did makes me worried that it was rabid. I mean, how many 4 month old kittens in their right minds are going to trade blows with a 110 pound dog?

Its after 11:00PM here. I am taking Calza to the vet first thing tomorrow morning. My research indicates the protocol for this situation involves giving Calza a rabies vaccine IMMEDIATELY.

Fortunately, Calza is UTD on vaccinations or I would be having a dog euthanized or quarantined for 6 months per the protocol in this case.

We both need prayers. I am pretty shaken up and Calza is confused about my behavior.
 

Angela

Super Moderator
Good luck, hope everything is OK. Did the cat actually bite Calza or draw blood? If so, be sure to clean the area very thoroughly if you can't get to a vet tonight. Cat bites even without the risk of rabies can be very serious.
 

Thehallk

New member
I think it's better to be safe than sorry, but I also think the chances are slim that the kitten had rabies. In 2010 only something like 1% of cats tested actually had rabies (in the USA), and I've met plenty of tough kittens who don't back down. Some Kittens seem more "brave" than adult cats - maybe lack of wisdom? Keeping you in my thoughts, but trying to be optimistic!
 

mulenag

New member
Some kittens definitely are more brave than others. Our newest addition had no problem hissing/spitting and swatting at the dogs. I just can't image that such a young kitten would be rabid.
Either way, I understand your concern and hope you and Calza are doing ok this morning.
 

NewfieMama

New member
Sending good thoughts from here. Hope the kitten was not rabid...honestly feral cats/kittens can be plenty scary while still perfectly healthy (I have some friends who trap ferals for spay/neuter and they've told me some hair-raising -literally- stories).

Keep us posted!
 
Sorry to hear about the incident. Hope the only harm is a blow to Calza's ego being taken out by a kitten. The way I look at it, if vaccinated, and that is why we do it, is to prevent contracting the disease. It will be interesting to see what your vet does. Hopefully no effects from the bite/scratch either.
 

YorkvilleNewfie

New member
I think it's better to be safe than sorry, but I also think the chances are slim that the kitten had rabies. In 2010 only something like 1% of cats tested actually had rabies (in the USA), and I've met plenty of tough kittens who don't back down. Some Kittens seem more "brave" than adult cats - maybe lack of wisdom? Keeping you in my thoughts, but trying to be optimistic!
This. As someone that's boarded her horses at stables with pretty sizeable feral barn cat populations, I can tell you that one "feral" kitten I domesticated from one of those barns and ended up bringing home...he rolled out of the nest at about 4 weeks and tried to fight my Clydesdale. At 4 weeks old. Some kittens are just born with a whole lot of sass and yes, can be not so bright :D
 

BLCOLE

Active member
We have been to the vet. Fortunately, the kitten didn't break Calza's skin. They gave Calza a rabies vaccine anyway because that's what they're legally required to do in these circumstances. She was due for a rabies shot next month anyway. She got it a month early.

The property manager of the condos where I live has been contacted. Maybe we can do something about the feral cats now.
 

new_2_newf

New member
I'm VERY glad she's ok.

As for cats, they are insane. My kitten Lulu was about 5 months old when I brought home my 10 month old newfie puppy. She proceeded to kick the living snot out of the dog for being in her house. No fear. Zero. She'll take on any of my fosters if they cross the line, which both of my cats rather arbitrarily draw in the sand. Even now, with a newf that clearly respects cats, they will sometimes walk over to him while he's laying down and just lay one out on him. Just in case, you know, he was maybe thinking about doing something.
 

YorkvilleNewfie

New member
As for cats, they are insane. My kitten Lulu was about 5 months old when I brought home my 10 month old newfie puppy. She proceeded to kick the living snot out of the dog for being in her house. No fear. Zero. She'll take on any of my fosters if they cross the line, which both of my cats rather arbitrarily draw in the sand. Even now, with a newf that clearly respects cats, they will sometimes walk over to him while he's laying down and just lay one out on him. Just in case, you know, he was maybe thinking about doing something.
:lol: Cats are hilarious.
 
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