Short encounter with my cat and possum rabbies scare?

Question

just yesterday I let my 2 cats out for a breath of fresh air. Before I could see what happened a local possum who had been roaming the apartment complex was walking along the way when my oldest cat (6yrs) natural hunter jumped up to quickly confront the possum. I saw the whole thing and the only thing that happened was my cat quickly clawed the possum who saw me to quickly proceed to be very nervous and break up the whole thing very quickly. the possum didnt react what so ever but my cat did bat her one good time on the side of the face area. The only thing I could think of was to apply watterless hand sanitizer using toilet parer on her claws very quickly. Does anyone know if this quick encounter should be concern for rabbies scare? I know that possoms supposedly arnet big carriers for rabbies but about a few months earlier there was a huge raccon roaming the premises which was suddenly replaced by this possum a few months later with no sign of the racoon anymore.

Answer 1

well, your cat should have been vaccinated for rabies, in most places it is THE LAW ALL PETS NEED TO BE VACCINATED FOR RABIES. also your cat should have been on a leash and none of this would have taken place.

Answer 2

Unless the possum bit your cat, I wouldn't be afraid.

Was the possum acting weird? Was it stumbling around, looking drunk? Animals with rabies can't walk straight and they're very aggressive.

If the possum was acting normal, your cat's most likely fine. If you're still concerned bring them to the vet and check with the vet :]

Animals with rabies don't show fear to natural predators...i.e. larger animals or humans, but it might not have been afraid of you if you live in a populated area. Animals can grow accustomed to human activity and learn to not be afraid of them.

Like the other posters said, I'd recommend bringing the cats to the vet to get vaccinated if they aren't. I don't think you have anything to worry about, but it's better to be safe.

Answer 3

an opossum is not afraid of kitty cats.  I have never heard of a possum having rabies.  i suspect your kitty cat is just fine.  if your cats are not vaccinated, please do so immediately since you let them outdoors.  a cat will live a much longer life if kept indoors.