Rabid Cat Euthanized In East Bay

Key Points:

• An indoor-only cat in Alameda County was potentially exposed to rabies by a bat on a balcony, leading to the cat being humanely euthanized and exposed individuals receiving rabies prophylaxis as a precaution.
• Vector Control staff found no signs of roosting bats in the area, and the risk of rabies to the public remains low with no additional cases reported.
• Rabies is more commonly found in bats than in cats in California, with 27 bats testing positive in Alameda County between 2019 and 2025.
• Rabies is a fatal viral disease affecting the central nervous system, preventable through timely post-exposure prophylaxis and vaccination, which is required for dogs and recommended for cats, ferrets, and some livestock in California.
• The Valley Humane Society ensures adoptable cats over three months old receive rabies vaccinations, with booster shots recommended every three years, and advises the public to report any wild or domestic animals showing unusual behavior to local animal control.