Rabies is still a real risk in the Philippines, and it’s one of those diseases you don’t want to “wait and see” about. Many cat owners feel confused because most rabies campaigns focus on dogs—so it’s easy to assume cats aren’t part of the picture.
This guide explains the current rabies situation in the country, what rabies is (and isn’t), and the common myths that can put people and cats at risk.
What is rabies, and can cats get it?
Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the brain and nerves of mammals, including cats and people. It is most often spread through the bite of an infected animal because the virus is carried in saliva.
Cats can get rabies if they are bitten by a rabid animal (often a dog, but also other mammals). Once a cat develops rabies symptoms, the disease is almost always fatal.
Because rabies affects the brain, it can cause major behavior changes. A sweet cat can become unusually aggressive or unusually quiet and withdrawn.
What is the current rabies situation in the Philippines?
Rabies remains a public health concern in the Philippines. The country continues to record human rabies deaths every year, and health authorities regularly remind the public that rabies is preventable—but extremely dangerous once symptoms start.
Most human rabies cases are linked to bites or exposure from domestic animals, especially dogs. However, cats still matter in rabies prevention because they can be exposed, they can bite or scratch, and they are part of the same community environment—especially in areas with many strays or community cats.
If you care for community cats or you do TNVR work, rabies prevention is part of humane, responsible population management.
How does rabies spread from cats to people?
Rabies spreads when saliva from an infected animal enters the body, usually through a bite wound. Scratches can also be a concern if the scratch breaks the skin and saliva gets into the wound (for example, if the cat licked its paw or the scratch is contaminated).
Rabies is not passed through casual contact like petting, sharing a room, or touching a cat’s fur. It’s mainly about saliva getting into broken skin or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth).
If you’re unsure whether an exposure “counts,” it’s safer to treat it seriously and ask a health professional or an animal bite treatment center to assess your situation.
What are the possible signs of rabies in cats?
Rabies signs can look like other illnesses at first, which is why it’s risky to guess at home. Some cats may show “furious” signs (agitation and aggression), while others may show “paralytic” signs (weakness and trouble swallowing).
Possible signs may include:
- Sudden behavior change (unusual aggression, restlessness, extreme fear, or unusually clingy behavior)
- Excess drooling or foaming
- Trouble swallowing
- Weakness, staggering, or paralysis
- Seizures
These signs can have other causes, too. But because rabies is so serious, any cat showing these signs—especially after a bite history or outdoor exposure—needs urgent veterinary guidance.
What should you do if you’re bitten or scratched by a cat in the Philippines?
If a cat bites or scratches you and the skin is broken, act quickly—this is about prevention.
First aid right away:
- Wash and flush the wound with running water and soap for at least 10 minutes.
- If available, apply an antiseptic after washing.
- Avoid “home remedies” like rubbing oils, garlic, or toothpaste on the wound.
Next steps:
- Go to an animal bite treatment center (ABTC) or a medical facility as soon as you can, even if the wound looks small.
- Follow the medical team’s advice on whether you need anti-rabies shots and other care.
If the cat is known and can be safely contained, local guidance commonly involves observing the animal for a set period (often around 10–14 days). Do not attempt to handle a fearful or aggressive cat on your own—ask for help from your barangay, LGU, or an experienced rescuer.
How can you prevent rabies in pet cats and community cats?
Rabies prevention is easier (and kinder) than dealing with an emergency later.
For pet cats:
- Keep rabies vaccination up to date based on your veterinarian’s advice and local requirements.
- Keep cats indoors or strictly supervised outdoors to reduce exposure to bites from unknown animals.
- Reduce roaming and fighting risks—spaying/neutering can help many cats become less driven to roam and mate.
For community cats and TNVR caregivers:
- Include rabies vaccination as part of the TNVR process when possible.
- Coordinate with your vet, local groups, or LGU programs for safer, more consistent vaccination coverage.
- Keep clear records of which cats were vaccinated and when, especially in managed colonies.
A calmer, smaller, vaccinated community-cat population is safer for the cats, the neighborhood, and the people feeding them.
What rabies misconceptions should be debunked?
Misinformation can delay care, and delays can be dangerous. Here are common myths worth correcting:
Myth: “Cats don’t get rabies.”
Cats can get rabies. Dogs are a major source of human exposure in many areas, but cats can still be infected and can still bite.
Myth: “My cat is indoor-only, so there’s no risk.”
Indoor cats generally have lower risk, but “low risk” is not “zero.” A cat can slip out, an unvaccinated pet can be bitten by an intruder animal, or a rescue cat may have an unknown exposure history.
Myth: “A small scratch doesn’t matter.”
If the skin is broken, treat it as a real exposure and get assessed—especially if the animal’s vaccination status is unknown.
Myth: “If the animal looks healthy, I can wait.”
Rabies risk isn’t something you can confidently judge by appearance alone. If you were bitten or scratched, it’s safer to get medical advice right away.
Myth: “Rabies is treatable once symptoms start.”
Rabies is preventable with timely care after exposure, but once symptoms begin, it is almost always fatal. That’s why acting early matters.
Conclusion
Rabies is still present in the Philippines, and prevention depends on fast action after bites or scratches, plus consistent vaccination and responsible pet ownership. Cats can get rabies, and while dogs are often the main source of human exposure, cat bites and scratches should still be taken seriously. If you’re bitten or scratched, wash the wound thoroughly and seek medical assessment as soon as possible. For long-term safety, keep vaccines up to date, reduce roaming and fighting risks through spay/neuter, and support humane community-cat management.
If you care for community cats, continue learning: read Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) in the Philippines to see how vaccination and population control work together to protect cats and neighborhoods.
References
- World Health Organization (WHO). (2024). Rabies Fact Sheet. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/rabies
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDD). (n.d.). Clinical Overview of Rabies. https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/hcp/clinical-overview/index.html
- Smith, C., Ortal, A., Girasol, M., Suzuki, S., & Coughlan, C. (2024). Rabies in the Philippines: a call to action. The Lancet Regional Health – Western Pacific, Volume 49, 101156. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lanwpc.2024.101156
- Bharti, O. K., Chand, R., Chauhan, A., Rao, R., Sharma, H., & Phull, A. (2017). “Scratches/Abrasions without Bleeding” Cause Rabies: A 7 Years Rabies Death Review from Medical College Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India. Indian journal of community medicine : official publication of Indian Association of Preventive & Social Medicine, 42(4), 248–249. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijcm.IJCM_37_17
- World Health Organization (WHO). (2014). WHO Guide for Rabies Pre and Post Exposure Prophylaxis in Humans. https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/searo/india/health-topic-pdf/pep-prophylaxis-guideline-15-12-2014.pdf