Rabid Stray Cat Found In Ellicott City

ELLICOTT CITY, MD — A feral cat found Jan. 29 in Ellicott City has tested positive for rabies. The stray animal was captured in the 8700 block of Baltimore National Pike. The Howard County Health Department asks that anyone or any pet that may have come into contact with this cat since Jan. 15 contact the department.

If any pet has unexplained wounds, also contact the county health department at 410-313-1773 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or 410-935-0196 after business hours. Rabies is spread by the bite or scratch of an infected animal, such as a groundhog, cat, fox, raccoon or bat. It is also spread when an infected animal’s saliva comes in contact with the eyes, nose, mouth or open cut of a person or another animal.

Preventive treatment might be required for anyone who handled, fed or was attacked by the cat. Rabies is a fatal disease, and preventive treatment (injections) must be started as soon as possible. The county health department advises county residents not to feed wild or stray animals or leave food dishes outside. Pet owners should also keep their animals’ rabies vaccinations current.