Sallisaw Police Say Cat That Bit Child Had Rabies

A cat that bit a child in Sallisaw over the weekend has tested positive for rabies according to the Sallisaw Police Department.

The department released a statement on its Facebook page warning residents to be aware of strays and wildlife. It also advised residents to not leave pet food outdoors and to vaccinate pets.

On Sunday, police responded to a call in the Four Seasons addition about a cat that had attacked and bitten a child. Officers said the cat was acting strange and fought instead of running away.

Animal control captured the cat and sent it to state health officials for testing. The state notified police Wednesday that the cat had tested positive for rabies.

Police ask anyone who sees domestic animals or wildlife acting suspiciously to call 918-775-4142.

The Oklahoma Department of Health says there have been 89 reported animal rabies cases this year and 60 of them have been skunks.