The recent discovery of a feral cat with rabies in Cedarhurst, Nassau County — marking the first such incident since 2016 — has prompted urgent reminders about the importance of keeping pets’ vaccinations up to date. Rabies is a deadly virus transmitted through bites, scratches, or when infected saliva contacts open wounds or mucous membranes. Common carriers include wildlife such as skunks, raccoons, foxes, bats, and coyotes. The virus is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear, underscoring the critical need for prevention through vaccination.