Dead Pet Cat Had Rabies, Westchester Health Officials Confirm

KATONAH, NY — The Westchester County Department of Health has issued a Rabies Alert after a family pet died recently.

The indoor/outdoor cat in Katonah died on Wednesday, and later tested positive for rabies. The infected feline was a white tabby of average size, according to health officials.

"If you, a family member, or your pet may have had any contact with this cat, immediately call the Westchester County Department of Health at (914) 813-5000," health department officials urged. "Anyone bitten by a rabid animal or having had contact with its saliva may need to receive post-exposure rabies treatment. When administered early enough, before symptoms develop, the treatment is 100 percent effective. Once symptoms occur, in humans or animals, the disease is fatal."

To protect yourself and loved ones from rabies, health officials are reminding Westhcester County residents to never feed, handle or approach stray or wild animals.