Rabies in domestic animals was once relatively common; however, data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that nearly 93% of rabies cases in the U.S. now occur in wildlife. Between 1975 and 2018 (the most recent data available), the CDC has documented 115 cases of human rabies in the U.S., most of which were attributed to contact with wildlife. Of the 26 cases attributed to domestic animals, 25 (96%) were attributed to dogs (nearly all exposures occurred outside the U.S.). Just one human case since 1975 was attributed to contact with a cat.
A national study of patients seeking treatment for possible rabies exposure found that 81% of exposures were attributed to dogs while 13% were attributed to cats. One-third of dog exposures occurred in the public street or park, compared to 12% cat exposures; on the other hand, 24% of dog exposures occurred in the home, compared to 53% cat exposures. These researchers also reported that most exposures, for both dogs (85%) and cats (92%), were provoked.