Rabid Stray Cat Confirmed In Madison Borough

MADISON, NJ — A cat recently surrendered to a local animal shelter tested positive for rabies, according to borough officials, who also reminded residents to vaccinate their pets and keep them away from wild animals.

The cat — described as a four-month-old male domestic short-haired cat, was surrendered to St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center in Madison on Thursday, Dec. 22.

The man who surrendered the cat is currently unknown and may have been exposed.

The Madison Health Department is requesting that the man who surrendered the cat contact Assistant Health Officer Sarah Perramant immediately at 201-306-2573.

The rabies virus is found in the saliva of rabid animals and is transmitted through a bite or possible contamination of an open wound. Rabies attacks the nervous system, rendering it fatal if not treated. Rabies can be avoided by starting the vaccination process as soon as possible after exposure.