Hall County Animal Services issued a rabies alert after a rabid cat bit an East Hall resident on Thursday.

"The cat got on the person's property. The person was bitten before they realized what was going on," said Mike Ledford, director of animal services.

This is the 13th confirmed rabies case in Hall County this year, but the first involving a cat.

The attack occurred near the Gillsville Highway area in East Hall County. Ledford said the county learned of the attack on Friday and authorities were able to catch the feral cat that day.

The cat was shipped to the Georgia Public Health Lab, Virology Section in Decatur and confirmed positive for rabies Tuesday.

Ledford said residents should avoid contact with animals acting aggressively or abnormally.

Alert signs have been posted in the area where the rabid cat was found.

If you live in this area or you see an animal acting abnormally, contact Hall County Animal Services at 770-531-6830 or during nonworking hours call Hall County Dispatch at 770-536-8812.

Animal owners are encouraged to vaccinate their pets and livestock for rabies. Vaccines are available for $10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday at the Hall County Animal Shelter at 1688 Barber Road in Gainesville and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia at 845 W. Ridge Road in Gainesville.