An Elderly Couple Fed a Stray Cat for Years. Then, the Cat with Rabies Mauled Them, Drawing a ‘Shocking’ Amount of Blood

Stray Cat with Rabies Mauls Elderly Couple in New Jersey

An elderly couple in New Jersey fell victim to a shocking attack by a stray cat they had been feeding for years. The incident, which occurred in Blairstown Township, resulted in the cat mauling the couple, drawing an alarming amount of blood. The feral cat, confirmed to have rabies post-attack, was later euthanized, according to reports by Bailey Richards, a writer-reporter at PEOPLE.

The Blairstown Township Police Department issued a “rabies alert” following the attack on the elderly couple, who had been providing consistent meals to the stray cat. The incident left behind a scene described by the responding animal control officer as “absolutely shocking” due to the significant amount of blood present. The officer attended to the couple’s wounds and called for assistance from animal control officer Robert Lagonera, who apprehended the feral cat.

The cat, which the couple had been feeding outdoors for several years, showed signs of facial injuries from a wild animal and was subsequently found to be rabid upon testing. The animal control officer highlighted the importance of being cautious when feeding feral cats, advising against leaving food outside unattended. The cat’s injuries revealed extreme aggression and disorientation, common symptoms of the rabies virus.

Rabies is a preventable but fatal viral disease with transmission occurring through bites and scratches of infected animals. The virus primarily affects the central nervous system, leading to severe brain disease and death without prompt medical intervention. Symptoms can initially mimic flu-like symptoms and progress to severe disease within two weeks, including anxiety, confusion, aggression, and hallucinations.

According to Lagonera, who speculated about the cat contracting rabies from a raccoon during a “food fight,” monitoring the feeding of cats is crucial to preventing such incidents. The officer stressed the importance of not leaving cat food out overnight and the necessity of responsible care for feral animals. The tragic event serves as a chilling reminder of the risks associated with interacting with wildlife.

As a precaution, residents are advised to stay vigilant and take immediate action if they suspect exposure to rabies. With the disease posing a severe threat to both humans and animals, caution is key when encountering potentially infected wildlife. The incident in New Jersey underscores the importance of community awareness and responsible pet ownership to prevent further incidents of rabies transmission.