Cat Health Symptoms

Rabies Symptoms-Cat/Human?

I am freaking out. I picked a stray cat up yesterday. I saw it's eyes were all full of mucus and it was extremely thin. I am such an animal lover and couldn't leave the thing to die. I put in my garage, called the local shelter to help and they gave me antibiotics to buy time until the vet appt on monday(I have absolutely zero money to pay for vet bills, the shelters here are swarmed and are not taking in cats- thanks to those who do not spay/neuter) So I never thought the cat would be rabid b/c it is very very friendly despite being sick. I was under the impression that if an animal had rabies it would froth at the mouth and be mean. Upon reading up on the internet I read that an animal can be friendly. Okay so my dilemma is that I held the cat, administered antibiotics, and I do not recall be scratched but I do have a faint line on my hand that appears to be a scratch and now I read the symptoms of rabies in humans and I don't know if my mind is playing tricks, but my arm is feeling funny. I am scared to death- I do not have health insurance!!! AHHH. Again this scratch is faint, so am I at risk? Should I go the emergency room? How long after a scratch should I feel anything? I found the cat yesterday. The cat was kneading its paws on me so I am just being paranoid and thinking that its claw swiped me gently....

Public Comments

1. Leave the cat alone from now on until you talk to a vet jest in case, it may or may not have rabies from the information. Seeing how Rabies is serious I would go to the emergency room jest in case so they can have a look at it, because it could get serious. Or if you don't want to go there, call your local Doctor and ask about it and if you think your fine sleep on it. As for the cat don't touch him anymore until he is checked by a vet, You don't want to take any chances.
2. It's very unlikely you would get rabies from a scratch. Unless the cat has an open wound, I doubt she has rabies. I think you would also remember if the cat scratched you since they tend to sting right away.
3. rabies is a very rapid spreading disease and after 2 days from being bitten the victim will become aggressive and usually foam at the mouth. it sounds like u've had this cat for at least a week, where if he had rabies, would most likely be delirious or dead.
4. You don't have rabies. You don't get it from a scratch.. also I'm sure the cat would have been showing more symptoms of it. If the cat is licking one particular area a whole lot (where it could have been bit by something) then you really should get yourself to the doctor and get a shot for it.. after rabies gets to your brain, you're almost certain to die, so 'not having money' or 'dying' are your choices. Hospitals and doctors can put you on payment plans, and if you don't have money to take care of yourself, you certainly don't have the money to take care of a cat that hasn't had any vaccinations and hasn't been fixed.
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