Rabid Cat Bites Woman Walking Dog in Hudson Valley

Officials are warning the public after a rabid cat bit a woman walking her dog in the Hudson Valley.

A gray stray cat with white paws bit a woman last Friday morning as she walked her dog in upper Westchester County and scratched another dog, according to the Westchester County Department of Health.

The cat was later caught in Pound Ridge and confirmed to be rabid, officials say.

The woman is receiving preventive rabies treatment. The dog didn't need treatment because the animal is up to date on its rabies vaccines.

Anyone who believes they, their children or their pet may have had contact with this cat, seen in the photo above, should call the Westchester County Department of Health at 914-813-5000 to assess the need for lifesaving rabies treatment.

When administered early enough, before symptoms develop, the treatment is fully effective. However, once symptoms occur, the disease is fatal, according to the Westchester County Department of Health.