Do Cats in Turkey Have Rabies? What You Need To Know

Rabies is a vaccine-preventable, zoonotic viral disease that affects the central nervous system. It is one of the oldest known infectious diseases, almost always fatal once symptoms appear, but entirely preventable through timely vaccination.

Cats: A Rare Source of Rabies

According to the World Health Organization (WHO):

Dog bites and scratches cause 99% of the human rabies cases, and can be prevented through dog vaccination and bite prevention.

(Source: WHO – Rabies Fact Sheet)

Globally, cats are considered a very rare source of rabies transmission to humans. While they can carry and transmit the virus if infected, the overwhelming majority of human rabies cases worldwide are linked to dogs, not cats.

Rabies in Turkey: The Bigger Picture

Rabies is present in Turkey, but the number of human cases has been consistently low in recent decades. Between 2000 and 2014, only 21 human rabies cases were documented in the country. Importantly, none of these cases were traced to cats. All were linked to contact with dogs or wild animals. (Source: Republic of Turkey Ministry of Health, Rabies Field Guide, 2014)

This finding highlights a key point: while stray cats in Turkey can potentially be vectors for rabies, the actual risk they pose is extremely low.

Do Cats in Turkey Have Rabies?

The short answer is: yes, rabies exists in Turkey, and cats could theoretically carry it—but the risk is extremely low.

• No human rabies cases in Turkey since at least 2000 have been linked to cats.
• Dogs remain the primary source of rabies worldwide.
• Nevertheless, anyone bitten or scratched by a stray cat in Turkey should immediately seek medical attention and follow official health guidelines. The rabies vaccine is free for everyone in Turkey. Click here to see the hospitals that administer the rabies vaccine in Istanbul. [Update: it seems some hospitals charge around $20 for registration fee + vaccine + consultation]

In summary, while Turkey’s beloved street cats are generally safe, it is always wise to be cautious, respect their wild nature, and act promptly if exposed.

Rabies in Humans: Symptoms and Risks

The incubation period in humans is usually 4-6 weeks, but can range from 10 days to over a year, depending on the site of the bite. Once symptoms appear, the disease is nearly always fatal.

Two clinical forms exist:

1. Encephalitic Rabies (80%)
   • Fever, agitation, hydrophobia (fear of water), difficulty swallowing, spasms, autonomic dysfunction.
   • Progresses to coma and death within 5-7 days.
2. Paralytic Rabies (20%)
   • Gradual muscle paralysis, cranial nerve involvement.
   • Death occurs within 2-3 weeks.

What To Do if You Are Bitten or Scratched by a Cat in Turkey

Even though the risk is low, any bite or scratch from a stray cat should be taken seriously. Rabies virus can be transmitted not only by bites but also through:

• Contact of saliva with open wounds or mucous membranes (eyes, mouth, nose).
• Contaminated objects (e.g., food dishes licked by an infected animal).
• Rarely, through ingestion of raw meat or milk from infected animals.

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) Categories

According to the Turkish Ministry of Health (Rabies Field Guide, 2014):

• Category I (No Risk): Touching, feeding, or being licked on intact skin → No treatment needed.
• Category II (Low Risk): Minor scratches without bleeding → Rabies vaccine recommended.
• Category III (High Risk): Deep bite, bleeding scratches, or saliva contact with mucous membranes → Rabies vaccine + immunoglobulin (IG).

If the biting/scratching cat or dog can be observed for 10 days:

• If the animal stays healthy, treatment may be stopped.
• If it dies, shows symptoms, or disappears, vaccination should be completed.

The rabies vaccine is free for everyone in Turkey. Click here to see the hospitals that administer the rabies vaccine in Istanbul.