WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — The Kansas Department of Agriculture and Kansas Department of Health and Environment are reminding Kansans to vaccinate their pets after two recent cases of rabies in cats. A news release from the KDA advises Kansans to be alert to the human health risk caused by unvaccinated animals following a second detection of rabies in a cat in the last two weeks. The two cases were in Jewell County and Harvey County, and both involved outdoor cats, which exposed multiple humans and other cats. The known human exposures have started rabies post-exposure prophylaxis, a series of five vaccinations to prevent rabies in humans. Boil water advisory issued in three Kansas counties Rabies is a viral disease transmitted by the bite or scratch of a rabid animal. There have been six positive cases of rabies in cats this year, as well as several cases in wildlife. Both of the cases this month were in unvaccinated outdoor barn cats. The KDA said that even if an animal is kept indoors, ensuring its vaccination against the virus is up-to-date serves as an important barrier if it is ever exposed to a wild or stray animal that could be carrying the disease. Those who have barn cats should have them vaccinated against rabies. Rabies attacks the brain and spinal cord and can take several weeks to months for symptoms to appear, but early treatment after exposure can prevent rabies in both humans and pets that are up to date on vaccinations. The vaccination is highly effective. If you have concerns about rabies, click here or call the KDHE Epidemiology Hotline at 877-427-7317.