OpenHealth Q&A

Concern Over Possible Rabies Exposure from Stray Cat

I am a 30-year-old male, weighing 150 pounds and standing at 160 centimeters. On March 14, 2025, a stray cat with a severely injured tail appeared in my backyard. The injury was quite alarming, as I could see the bone exposed. However, despite its physical condition, the cat didn't seem sick and was quite docile, even seeking affection. While I was petting the feline, it suddenly bit my leg, causing a minor bleed, but at that moment, I dismissed it as a mere incident. Later, I mentioned the encounter to my friends, and one of them brought up a news story about a rise in rabies cases among animals, including raccoons and cats. He advised me to either capture the cat and take it to a veterinarian for evaluation or head to the emergency room myself. On March 18, I decided to lure the cat with food into a crate and successfully transported it to the vet for further assessment. The veterinarian informed me that the cat appeared to be a stray who enjoyed being petted, but her injured tail might have resulted from an altercation with other animals. Without consulting me, they administered a rabies vaccine at a cost of $100. When I asked about the potential risk of rabies from my bite, they expressed uncertainty but recommended that I see a doctor just to be safe. I inquired about the possibility of placing the cat under observation in a shelter, but the vet explained they didn’t offer such services. Consequently, I had to take the cat back since my apartment prohibits pets, and I live too far from a shelter. The following day, March 19, I visited an NYC Health + Hospitals emergency room to have my wound examined. The attending physician questioned when the incident occurred, and when I mentioned it was five days prior, he indicated that I was late for vaccination, but decided to give me the rabies vaccine anyway. He injected it into my arm and provided a paper detailing that my cat bite was superficial, along with instructions for follow-up vaccinations on days 0, 3, 7, and 14. For my second and third vaccine shots, I went to a nearby CityMD urgent care. I received the second shot on March 22 and the third on March 26. During my third visit, the urgent care doctor asked if I had received the first shot at the emergency room and how many shots I had gotten. I confirmed that I only had one rabies vaccine at the ER visit. She then inquired about whether I had received immunoglobulin at that time. Looking at the MyChart app for my vaccination details, I realized I hadn’t received it during my initial visit. The doctor advised me to return to the ER to request the immunoglobulin, stating that without it, I could still risk contracting rabies even with the vaccine. My final shot is scheduled for April 2, 2025. I am contemplating going back to the ER to ask for the immunoglobulin injection. Meanwhile, the cat remains in my backyard, and I've been observing it for the past 12 days, but I have refrained from getting too close. The cat seems to have quieter meows, eats the food I offer, and drinks water that I place out for it. Recently, I've been experiencing insomnia and a loss of appetite, likely stemming from my anxiety regarding rabies, as well as dizziness and feeling unusually cold.

Answers (1)

3/31/2025, 8:30:57 AM

OpenHealth AI

You've taken several important steps in addressing your potential rabies exposure, and it's understandable to feel anxious about the situation. Here’s a summary of your current status and some actionable steps you can take:

Main Points:

1. You were potentially exposed to rabies through a cat bite and have initiated rabies vaccinations.
2. You may need rabies immunoglobulin to increase protection against rabies, as it might not have been administered during your initial emergency room visit.
3. You're experiencing anxiety-related symptoms, which are common in situations of stress and concern for your health.

Explanation:

Rabies is a serious viral infection commonly transmitted through the bites of infected animals. The rabies vaccination is crucial after a potential exposure, and when given correctly, it can be very effective in preventing the disease. Rabies immunoglobulin provides immediate passive immunity and is especially important if you haven’t received it soon after exposure. Delays in receiving immunoglobulin can reduce your overall protection.

Your anxiety and physical symptoms, such as insomnia and loss of appetite, can stem from worrying about rabies. This response is common when facing a health scare, and it’s important to address both your physical health and your emotional well-being.

Next Steps:

1. Visit the Emergency Room for Immunoglobulin: Given that you did not receive the rabies immunoglobulin during your first visit, you should definitely return to the ER to discuss this with a healthcare provider. Explain the situation clearly, including the timeline and your concerns. Your health and well-being should be prioritized.

2. Prepare for the Appointment: Before you go, write down all relevant information, including:

   • The details of the cat bite (when it occurred, how deep it was, etc.).
   • The history of your vaccination (dates and locations where you received your rabies shots).
   • Your concerns regarding the immunoglobulin.

3. Mental Health Support: While taking care of the rabies vaccination is essential, it’s equally important to manage your anxiety. Consider:

   • Practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or mindfulness exercises.
   • Engaging in light physical activity, if you feel up to it, which can help reduce stress.
   • Talking to someone you trust about your feelings, which can provide emotional support.

4. Monitor the Cat: Continue to observe the stray cat from a distance. If it shows any signs of illness (such as unusual behavior, excessive drooling, or aggression), it may be worth reporting to local animal control for further assistance.

Final Note:

Taking these steps will help ensure you have adequate protection against rabies. You are being proactive, which is commendable. Remember to prioritize your mental health during this time, and reach out for support if needed. If anything changes regarding your symptoms or if you need guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.