Cecil County Health Department reports rabid cat found in North East

NORTH EAST — Anyone who may have had contact with a feral female Tabby cat seen acting aggressively in the area of Elwoods Road should visit their doctor and report the contact to the Cecil County Health Department.

Health department officials reported Wednesday that the small-to-medium sized brown and white cat was captured in the area of the Best Western hotel and tested positive for the fatal neurological disease that is spread through saliva or a bite or scratch from an infected animal; typically a cat, dog, fox, skunk, bat or raccoon.

In a statement from CCHD, health officials warned that cats are more at risk of contracting rabies because of their wide-roaming nature.

“Although this cat was found at the Best Western hotel, it may have exposed other people and pets in the surrounding area. If you or your pets have had contact with a stray or feral cat (kittens included) at the Best Western hotel or in the surrounding area between July 29, 2024 and August 13, 2024, please contact the Cecil County Health Department at 410-996-5100 immediately for follow up,” the statement reads.

To avoid such contact, make sure all pet dogs, cats and ferrets are up to date with their rabies vaccines, do not let pets roam free, do not keep pet food outside, secure outside trash can lids and report any animals acting out of character to the health department or local police.