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Dangers of Feral Cats

Posted: 3:26 PM Aug 9, 2012
Reporter: Litsa Pappas

Dangers of Feral Cats

PENDLETON COUNTY, Va -- Workers with the health department said a rabid cat just bit a teen and that attack sent the teen to the hospital. The county is struggling to get rid of these dangerous cats.

A lot of those stray cats are roaming around neighborhoods in Pendleton County. While many people may think these feral animals are cute to play with, the health department is warning you to stay away from them.

Kimberly Kline sees the problem firsthand since she works at the county's health department. She said many people like to feed the stray cats.

"It's a cute little animal and they feel sorry for it, so they want to do something to help it," said Kline.

Helping the cats is allowing more of them to stay in the county and Kline said this is becoming a major health issue since many of them carry rabies.

"It could become more aggressive and go after someone actually and bite them or scratch them."

If the cats do not bite you, she said they can go after your pets.

"And then they could develop rabies and bite the owner and then the owner would have to take shots."

Kline said the county does not have animal control, so they rely on the Sheriff's Office to take care of the cats. She said that is not helping since the sheriff already has so much to do.

"So our county commission has become very concerned about this issue and is looking into ways to, you know. Can we fund an animal control officer?"

Kline said if you see any stray cats in your neighborhood, stay away from them and do not feed them. That way they cannot attract more rabid animals near your home. Plus, she said if you have pets, keep them vaccinated so they can avoid getting rabies from those cats.

Kline said she hopes the county can come up with the money to create an animal control position, otherwise the danger of rabies will continue to spread.

She said if you contract rabies, the shots can cost you $15,000 to $20,000.

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