But there is no specific time limit for the treatment to be started. Obviously, the sooner treatment is started, the better. Domestic animals such as dogs and cats, if caught, can be observed for 10 days to see if symptoms of illness develop. If symptoms do not develop, it is unlikely that the animal had rabies. When there is a bite from an uncaptured wild animal with a high incidence of rabies, treatment should be started right away.
Cat bites are unlikely to be a source of rabies but they do cause a high incidence of infection.
Up to half of bites from cats can result in an infection due to the puncture wound. In case of a cat bite, it is a good idea to contact your physician for possible antibiotics. Human bites are also a cause of infection. The human mouth is filled with bacteria and a bite can result in a nasty infection as well as a deep bite wound. Always see your physician after a human bite that breaks the skin.