By Dean Murray
A cat who survived a coyote attack has celebrated completing his six-month rabies quarantine.
Staff at San Diego Humane Society marked the occasion with a quirky graduation party that saw orange tabby Kyle dressing up for the festivities.
On July 27, 2025, a community member witnessed the 2-year-old red domestic shorthair being attacked by a coyote in Escondido.
The compassionate person quickly intervened, bringing Kyle to the society’s Escondido Campus for emergency care.
Despite the traumatic encounter, the plucky cat survived with wounds on his neck and chest.
In California, a pet bitten by a potential rabies carrier must undergo a six-month isolation to monitor symptoms during the disease’s incubation period, to prevent spread to humans and other pets.
To ensure Kyle was comfortable and had company for such a long period, staff let him serve his quarantine in a larger enclosure inside the office of the organisation’s Associate Director of Guest Relations and Animal Placement, Rebecca Smith.
Rebecca said: “Kyle’s resilience has been remarkable. From learning to play with enrichment toys, to enjoying window time and treats, he’s shown us he’s a fighter.”
To celebrate Kyle’s graduation and clearance for adoption, the special graduation party came complete with a graduation cap and gown, cupcakes featuring the honoree’s photo, Kyle trivia, and games with a crochet Kyle as the grand prize.
The society added: “While he is a cuddle enthusiast, he also enjoys taking indoor ‘walks’ in his personal enclosed stroller, eagerly greeting every person he passes from behind the net.”
Kyle’s remarkable recovery highlights the dedication of animal welfare staff in providing compassionate care during challenging quarantines.
