Rabies virus, if present on the cat’s paw, can survive for 2-3 minutes on its own. Rabies virus generally does not survive for more than 2-3 minutes under aerobic conditions and exposure to air causes it to become inactive. The ability of rabies virus to survive outside the body is reduced, so the ability to infect humans is also reduced. In addition, the virus is readily inactivated by sunlight, ultraviolet light, formaldehyde, mercury-raising quaternary amines (e.g., Neosporin), lipid solvents, and 50%-70% alcohol. In contrast, rabies virus in body fluids or tissues can survive for a longer period of time. Usually there is no rabies virus on a cat’s paw, but only after a rabies-infected cat has licked its paw and left its saliva behind can it carry the virus. Therefore, after being scratched by a cat, it is important to wash the wound several times with running soapy water, then disinfect the wound and recommend early rabies vaccination.