A New Braunfels cat that was attacking other cats and behaving strangely in the 200 block of Cross River Street has tested positive for the rabies virus.
City of New Braunfels Animal Welfare employees picked up the cat this week. Subsequent testing confirmed the animal was positive for rabies.
The city is implementing a temporary four-week suspension of a Trap, Neuter, Release (TNR) program for feral cats living within a one-mile radius of the location where the rabid cat was found. If there are no further positive rabies cases in that area during this time, TNR will resume.
Rabies is a deadly viral disease affects the nervous system of mammals, including humans, and is primarily transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, often through bites.
Local health officials remind everyone to be cautious with unfamiliar animals like foxes, raccoons, bats, skunks, and stray dogs or cats.
Before calling to report a cat or other animal, take the time to observe its behavior and look for these signs, the city advised in a statement:
- Partial paralysis or the inability to walk normally
- Circling or staggering a if disoriented
- Acting aggressively for no reason
- Acting unnaturally tame
Do not approach the animal. Call 830-608-2183 to report a suspicious animal inside New Braunfels city limits. Residents in unincorporated Comal County should call 830-608-2016.
The public is asked to avoid contact with unfamiliar animals and follow these tips to prevent the spread of rabies:
- Avoid wild animals: Do not approach or hand-feed wildlife like foxes, raccoons, bats, or skunks, as they may carry rabies.
- Keep pets vaccinated: Ensure pets are up-to-date on rabies vaccinations.
- Secure food and trash: Store garbage and pet food in sealed containers to avoid attracting wild animals.
- Avoid bats: If a bat is inside your home, contain it carefully and contact authorities.
- Seek medical attention for bites/scratches: Clean wounds and seek immediate medical care if bitten or scratched by an animal.
- Report unusual animal behavior: Contact authorities if an animal appears disoriented, aggressive, or unafraid of humans.
- Don’t touch: Do not touch sick or injured animals.
