Cat Tests Positive For Rabies

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — Officials in the county are putting residents on alert after a cat tested positive for rabies.

A county release said a domestic shorthair tortoiseshell cat was found in the Dover Road area of Reisterstown, and that it tested positive for rabies on Thursday.

The Baltimore County Animal Services said it identified one potential case of human exposure, but did not provide further details.

Anyone who may have had contact with the cat should seek immediate medical attention.

To date, the county has recorded a total of six animals that tested positive for rabies: one cat, one fox, and four raccoons.

In 2025, during the same first few months of the year,
Baltimore County reported a fox and seven raccoons returned positive rabies tests.

"Rabies is a serious and potentially fatal disease, but it is preventable through proper vaccination," the county said in its release.

"Baltimore County law requires that pet dogs, cats, and ferrets be kept up to date on rabies vaccinations."

According to the American Veterinary Association, rabies symptoms in animals include, but are not limited to:

• Extreme aggression
• Unusual friendliness
• Excessive drooling
• Difficulty swallowing
• Paralysis
• Seizures

The virus is transmitted through saliva and can result in death between seven and 10 days after the onset of symptoms.

The World Health Organization reports that 99% of human rabies cases resulted from dog bites or scratches. The best protection against the virus is through vaccination.

Free Rabies Vaccination Event

BCAS will be hosting its low-cost rabies vaccination clinic this month on April 25 for dogs, cats and ferrets at least 12 weeks of age.

Vaccinations are available for $9 per pet. The fee also includes a free microchip with lifetime registration and an initial Baltimore County pet license.

No appointment or proof of residency is required. Both cash and checks are accepted. BCAS says the exact amount for cash payments is preferred.

Additional details regarding the county's clinic schedule and eligibility can be found online. Officials can also be reached at (410) 887-7297.

How To Reduce Further Risk

Aside from vaccination measures, the county shelter says residents can also reduce the risk of rabies transmission by:

• Avoiding contact with wild animals and unfamiliar domestic animals.
• Keeping pets on a leash and not allowing them to roam freely.
• Not leaving pet food or water outdoors for extended periods — especially overnight — as this may attract wildlife.
• Consulting a veterinarian before taking in stray or feral animals, particularly in households with children, older adults, immunocompromised individuals, or other pets.

The county's Trap-Neuter-Return program is also key, as it requires that all community cats are "sterilized, vaccinated against rabies and FVRCP, ear-tipped, and microchipped."

Free rabies booster vaccines are provided for any cats safely trapped as part of the program. Additional details can be found online for those interested in participating in the program.