Rabies is spread in the saliva of an infected animal . You can get rabies if a rabid animal bites or scratches you. An animal or person who has rabies is called rabid. Most animals with fur can get rabies, although usually not rabbits or rodents. Wild animals, such as raccoons, skunks, foxes, woodchucks, coyotes, and bats, often carry it.
Pets can also get rabies from wild animals.
If you have any animal that has fur, such as a dog, a cat, or even a pet ferret, it can catch rabies if it is bitten or scratched by a rabid animal. Other pets without fur, such as birds, fish, turtles, and snakes, cannot carry rabies. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.