My cat licked a sick cat. Could he get rabies if his vaccine is old?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
My cat has had a rabies shot 5 years ago, he licked the sick cats eye. The sick cat may have rabies and is surrendered and in about to be tested for rabies. Should I be concerned? Working on getting booster shots this week. The sick cat was a barn cat and had a rabies vaccination maybe 18 months ago. I got bit by it 4 days ago on my left hand, I have no fever or other signs and bite spot just irritated from wearing dirty gloves on a farm. Still worried for my other kitty's.
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on October 14th, 2018
If the sick cat's eye was ruptured or if there's any chance your cat had contact with the sick cats saliva (which I would think would be possible if the cat was allowing your cat to lick it's eye) then there is potential for exposure. Unfortunately there is no post-exposure vaccination protocol that prevents rabies in cats - all you can do is booster the vaccine and then quarantine your cat as recommended by animal control (be sure to give all details to the vet when you are updating the rabies vaccine). This is why keeping up with annual rabies vaccination is so important. You should know soon whether or not the sick cat had rabies - if it did not then you may not need to continue quarantine for your cat.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on October 13th, 2018
Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Firstly, if you have a cat in your house that you think may have rabies, you should be very concerned and should bring that cat to a vet right away, and it needs to be quarantined. Rabies is exceedingly dangerous and often fatal to humans and animals. Your other cat LIKELY has a protective titre if he was vaccinated 5 years ago, especially if he had more than one shot for rabies in his life, however the only way to know would be to check his rabies titre ( a blood test sent away). Licking the eye of the other cat would be very very unlikely to give your cat rabies, however if you are worried your other cat has rabies, you NEED to keep the two separate. If rabies is a real concern of yours, you need to contact your vet that will direct you on how to contact public health, as this is a huge human health risk and concern. Best of luck with your cats!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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