Health Alert: Cat that roamed Katonah died of rabies

A cat found dead on Wednesday that had been roaming around Katonah has tested positive for rabies.

The Westchester County Department of Health is warning anyone who may have had contact with the white tabby to call 914-813-5000 as soon as possible to be evaluated for preventive rabies treatment. 

Two people who had contact with the cat are being treated to prevent rabies.

Health officials want to speak with anyone who may have been bitten or scratched by this cat through Monday, May 5. The cat was an unvaccinated pet that roamed outdoors and wore a collar, the health department said.

“Rabies is fatal but can be prevented with post-exposure treatment prior to onset of symptoms,” Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler said.

Bedford police issued an alert Friday and said the cat was “an average sized, white tabby, indoor-outdoor cat.”

“Anyone bitten by a rabid animal or having had contact with its saliva may need to receive post-exposure rabies treatment,” Bedford police said. “When administered early enough, before symptoms develop, the treatment is 100 percent effective. Once symptoms occur, in humans or animals, the disease is fatal.”

“To avoid rabies, steer clear of wild animals and strays,” Amler said. “If you see an injured or sick animal, call police. Teach your children not to approach or handle animals they don’t know, even if they appear young, injured or friendly, and to tell you right away if they are bitten or scratched by any animal. It is also important to keep your pets’ rabies vaccinations up to date, and to bat proof your home. Discourage wild animals from visiting your yard by securely covering trash cans and keeping pet food and water indoors.”

Any physical contact with a wild or unfamiliar animal should be reported to a health care provider. All animal bites or contact with animals suspected of having rabies must be reported to the County Health Department.

New York State law requires dogs, cats and ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies and receive regular booster shots.  For more information, go to www.westchestergov.com/health or call the RABIES INFOLINE at 914-813-5010.