The American Veterinary Medication Association recommends parents and pets: Have all pets that are mammals, including ferrets, livestock, and horses, vaccinated. Keep cats and ferrets inside; do not allow pets that go outside to run free. Don't keep wild animals as pets. Never leave food, including pet food, outside, which can attract rabid animals. Bat-proof houses, garages, and other structures. Teach children to steer clear of animals they don't know, even those that seem tame. Rabies doesn't always cause animals to act strangely.