NEW: Rabid Cat Confirmed in North Providence

NEW: Rabid Cat Confirmed in North Providence

The Department of Environmental Management and the Department of Health (HEALTH) are advising people in the area of Central Avenue in North Providence that a neighborhood cat that has died has tested positive for rabies. The cat is described as an adult grey short-haired, tiger-striped breed. Anyone who may have had contact with this cat should contact HEALTH for evaluation (and potential treatment with rabies vaccine) at 222-2577 weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., or at 272-5952 if calling after hours, during the July 4th holiday or over the weekend.

According to R.I. State Veterinarian Scott Marshall, DVM, this particular rabies case is high risk because the cat roamed the neighborhood and may have had contact with people and pets. These people may not be aware that they have been exposed to rabies.

Those with domestic animals that may have had contact with this cat should call North Providence Animal Control at 719-1516 so that their pet can be evaluated.

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All dogs, cats and ferrets are required by State law to have current vaccination against rabies. Vaccination of pet animals prevents them from contracting rabies, and prevents people from becoming exposed to rabies from their pets. HEALTH and DEM make the following recommendations:

• Make sure dogs, cats and ferrets are properly vaccinated against rabies. It is the law
• Avoid all contact with stray, wild or free-roaming domestic animals
• Call HEALTH if you have had any contact with a stray, wild or free-roaming domestic animal 
• Call your local animal control officer if an animal you own has had contact with a stray, wild or free-roaming domestic animal
• Secure all trash so that animals will not be attracted to it
• Do not feed animals outdoors, as this will attract other animals. This is especially dangerous when feeding large numbers of free-roaming cats
• Do not leave pets outdoors loose or unattended.