Cat quarantined after fox attack

NICEVILLE, Fla. (WALA) - A couple in Florida is paying the price for not getting their pet vaccinated. Their cat is now confined to a cage at Niceville Animal Clinic. The couple choose quarantine for six months instead of euthanizing their pet.

Stripes is now being confined to a cage because he was bitten by a fox in his owner's back yard.

"The situation in this county right now is that if your animal is not up to date on their rabies, and it gets bitten by an unknown animal, the assumption is it was rabid. The health department gives two options. One is euthanasia, the other is six month quarantine," said Dr. Jenny Fortune.

"We chose quarantine for six months to give him a chance," said Tamara Phillips.

Stripes was never vaccinated for rabies.

"I just never thought something like this would happen because where we live is kind of populated and this is kind of actually surprising," said Brian Titus.

Since January 14, the day Stripes was attacked, Tamara and Brian have walked seven miles every day, just to see him. They say they'll continue walking for the next five months, until Stripes is out of quarantine.

"We promised him that we would do that, we would come and see him as long as they are open, every day," said Titus.

"I cry when they walk in. I see them walking up, not a penny to their name, they're here to see their cat and make sure he gets his shrimp. A lot of owners would choose euthanasia. These people, however, said there was no way. They love this cat, this is their baby, and they'd find a way to make it happen. They have managed to put $200 towards their bill which for them is like a mountain," said Dr. Fortune.

Brian is trying to fix his truck so he can sell it to pay Stripe's $3,000 vet bill.

"To me it would be like your kid. How far would you go to see your child if your child was hurt? What would you do? It wouldn't matter. I would find a way. I keep telling her, 'Honey, I know our finances are bad, but we always seem to find a way to make it through,'" he said.

Dr. Fortune says there have been three other rabies cases in the Niceville area in the past three weeks.

She says pet owners can prevent euthanization or six month quarantine just by getting an $11 rabies shot every year.

Niceville Animal Clinic is also an animal rescue organization. If you would like to adopt a pet or help this couple with their vet bill, you can contact Niceville Animal Clinic or call (850) 678-2146.