Cat Tests Positive for Rabies in Montgomery County

A cat that was being treated at Green Lane Veterinary Hospital has tested positive for rabies, the Montgomery County Health Department confirmed this week. Health department officials are asking anyone who may have come into contact with the cat between Nov. 29 and Dec. 11 to contact them.

The rabid cat, named Jinx, is a male Tabby with brown with black stripes with both rear legs and tail amputated.

Anyone who thinks they made contact with the cat should call the Montgomery County Health Department, Division of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention at 610-278-5117.

There are no other animals with confirmed rabies at the facility.

The cat had been in the care of the veterinary hospital since Nov. 1, according to the county. On December 11, the cat became unusually aggressive and was exhibiting neurological signs indicative of rabies, health department officials said. It was euthanized that same day.

“Due to the high suspicion of rabies, it was sent to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Bureau of Laboratories for rabies testing,” according to an announcement from the county. On December 13, it was determined to be positive for rabies.

Hospital employees who were exposed to the cat have been identified and rabies shots have been recommended. “The cat attacked two other cats while at the facility. Those cats have received rabies vaccine boosters and are currently under the appropriate quarantines,” according to information from the county.