Rabies in the United States most often involves wildlife species, especially bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes. But among domestic animals, cats are most commonly affected.

Of course, pet parents should always have their cats vaccinated, but rabies infection can spread among feral cats, too. In April 2024, this was brought to the attention of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, or CDC, when an aggressive feral cat came in contact with numerous people before it tested positive for rabies. Those folks had to get post-exposure injections, which are expensive and require several clinic visits.

The CDC recommends that any cats surrendered to shelters, or treated in trap-neuter-and release programs, be vaccinated against rabies. Both feral and homed cats deserve protection—and so do we.