ZephyrHawk
Confirmed Disneyphile
- Joined
- Feb 15, 2007
OP it is unlikely the kitten has rabies and it is unlikely that rabies could be passed through its claws. However, rabies is not the only disease cats can carry and pass through human contact, even without any need to break your skin. No, it's not a concern when indoor pets scratch you because, by law, they are required to be regularly vaccinated. Also, you know, because they're not living in filth and fighting raccoons for garbage scraps. In other words, you should go to the doctor. Whether you realize it or not, you've been playing with a walking disease factory.
That being said, what was the point of releasing the animal after feeding it? Most semi-feral animals will run away if they can, but that doesn't mean they're happier on the streets. The next time you try to get a new pet this way I suggest you get your vaccinations updated beforehand, buy a cage (to keep it the heck away from your other pets and family members until a doctor confirms it's safe) and make a vet appointment for shots, bathing and, assuming it passes a basic health exam, a neuter/spay. All this before you try to take a likely sick and terrified animal into your home. Then, don't let it outside. Ever again.
If you can't afford that kind of commitment, then don't bother. Leave some food outside if you feel bad, or better yet, call a local shelter or animal control to capture the cats and, hopefully, find better lives for them.
That being said, what was the point of releasing the animal after feeding it? Most semi-feral animals will run away if they can, but that doesn't mean they're happier on the streets. The next time you try to get a new pet this way I suggest you get your vaccinations updated beforehand, buy a cage (to keep it the heck away from your other pets and family members until a doctor confirms it's safe) and make a vet appointment for shots, bathing and, assuming it passes a basic health exam, a neuter/spay. All this before you try to take a likely sick and terrified animal into your home. Then, don't let it outside. Ever again.
If you can't afford that kind of commitment, then don't bother. Leave some food outside if you feel bad, or better yet, call a local shelter or animal control to capture the cats and, hopefully, find better lives for them.