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What's the rabies risk if my cat touched a raccoon through a screen?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Feral | Female | 4 years and 4 months old | 12 lbs

Hello. My door was open with a screen net and a raccoon came right up to the door making contact with my cat. Face to face. Is there a way for her to catch anything like that like rabies? Or does a cat have to get bitten for that? I immediately ran up and closed the door. The raccoon was coming to eat the bird seeds. Is there anything to worry about here?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 14th, 2023

Thanks for visiting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Rabies is commonly spread through a bite wound. So there is very low risk of rabies transmission based on what you have described as making ocntact through a screen net. It isn't impossible because rabies is found in the saliva, just very unlikely in this scenario. Just keep an eye on your pet Kate for the next 7 days for any abnormal behavior (i.e. excessive vocalization, irrational behaivor, aggressive behavior, and if she is not up to date on her rabies vaccination, I would highly recommend getting her vaccinated asap. I hope that things work out well for your pet Kate moving forward. Best wishes and take care.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Ana M, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 3rd, 2018

    Thank you for submitting your question regarding the raccoon. Rabies is transmitted through saliva typically from a bite wound. So it is highly unlikely that your cat was exposed if there was no way for your cat to have contact with the other side of the glass. You will need to discuss any other exposure on your part with your human physician, it it would still be unlikely. I hope this information helps!

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