Question:
one of my cats caught a bat tonight in my apartment, i heard it so i went and grabbed her and my other cat away so they wouldn't start eating it. we got it out of my room but i am not sure weather my cat was bit or not? she is not vaccinated... i didn't see a reason since both my cats are inside cats.
my question is should i still bring her in to the vet to get vaccinated even if i'm not sure if she was bit in the first place? i just want to be on the safe side because i'm really worried...
does anyone know roughly the cost of the vaccine? i'm 18 and on my own now, and i'm just curious to know now instead of waiting to call the vet in the morning. (i want to make sure i'd have enough also)
thanks
Answer:
Where do you live?

Answer:
A vaccination does NOT protect against infections AFTER exposure.
The best thing to do is notify the authorities and do what needs to be done. If you still have the bat, that's the easiest solution. The bat will be sent to a lab for analysis to test for rabies. If you don't have the bat, your cats might need to be placed in quarantine for the incubation period.
I don't think rabies can be transmitted except through a bite, and the skin must be punctured. In other words, unless the bat bit your cat, I don't think your cat can come down with rabies even if the bat was positive.
But the best and safest thing to do is knowing what you're dealing with and what you need to do to protect yourself and your cats. Call animal control (if you have such a thing there) or the police. They'll be able to tell you what you need to do. If you're afraid of dealing with the authorities, at least call your vet. Do it TODAY.
PS - this is an excellent example of why indoor cats should be vaccinated.
Tim
Answer:
guess what i found out? THE LANDLORD knew about this problem before I had even moved in. i met the downstairs neighbors tonight and they said they have bats in their apt... in the kitchen and they are afraid to even sleep at night with the lights off. since my cat found that one, i have found 4 more bats in this apartment building. the downstiars people told me this place is infested and the landlord won't do a damn thing.
i live in northern wisconsin.
Answer:
Maybe it's just in Ohio/Michigan but landlords are supposed to take care of things like that LEGALLY. (Esp. if you live in an apartment complex)
If the landlords won't do anything about the bats in your apartment complex, you need to bring this up to maybe someone "higher" up in their business (if there is anyone of that sort. My apt complex is owned by a business that makes a living out of about 5 different complexes all over the ann arbor area)
If you can't do that, I'd say go to the board of health or whatever it may be called and bring it up with them. That sucks!
And I'd agree to get the bat analyzed and your pets tested. You just never know what may happen. :-/
Answer:
rabies vaccine on the HIGH side are 20.00. I live in Missouri and mine cost 12.00..........
All animals should be vaccinated.......indoors or not.
Mine catch bats too but outside.........I live in a cavey area and at night they fly all the time. But i'm in the country.
I would try and find out the legal aspects of this. Possibly with the health dept since you live in apartments.
Answer:
Yes, all cats and dogs should be vaccinated and in some municipalities it
is required by law.
Please be willing to do the "basics" for your animals if you are going to be a pet owner - they are owed that much.
linda
Answer:
I would highly recommend that you have both of your cats vaccinated for at least rabies. It won't make any difference from the bat incident, but it will have them better prepared if this were to happen again. Not only is rabies a risk to your cats, but it is also a risk for you, so at least do it from a public health standpoint.
I am in Ohio, in a metro area, and we charge $14.50 for the rabies, and $35.00 for an exam. Most vets won't do a vaccination without an exam first.
Lesley