Press Release By: Gaston County Police
On Friday 12/19/25, at approximately 2:00 pm, Gaston County Police Animal Care and Enforcement received a call from a local Veterinarian office in reference to a stray cat that had been brought in by a citizen with a bite/puncture injury from an unknown source. The cat was also exhibiting signs of rabies to include loss of appetite, not drinking and loss of limb functions and was humanely euthanized.
Animal Care and Enforcement Specialists investigated the incident and impounded the cat on Friday 12/19/25. The cat was sent to the NC Laboratory of Public Health in Raleigh on Monday 12/22/25. The official laboratory results were received on Monday 12/23/25 at approximately 1:00 pm, indicating that the cat tested positive for rabies.
Enforcement Specialist completed a neighborhood canvass on 12/23/25 in the area of Crescent Lane Gastonia, NC, where the cat had been originally found, in order to notify the community of the positive rabies results, and verify rabies vaccinations for family pets in the area.
The Gaston County Police Department Animal Care and Enforcement Division stresses the importance of having a valid rabies vaccination for all pet’s health and safety, as well as the health and safety of their owners and community.
Gaston County Animal Care and Enforcement also notified Gaston County Department Health and Human Services about the incident.
This represents the 21st confirmed rabies case in Gaston County this year.
