Cat Attacked by Coyote Graduates from Rabies Quarantine

San Diego Humane Society staff throw graduation party for Kyle the orange tabby

ESCONDIDO, CA — Staff at San Diego Humane Society’s Escondido Campus celebrated Kyle, an orange tabby cat who survived a coyote attack, with a graduation party today. Kyle has successfully completed his six-month rabies quarantine and is now cleared for adoption.

On July 27, 2025, a community member witnessed Kyle being attacked by a coyote near E. Valley Parkway and N. Rose St. in Escondido. The compassionate person quickly intervened, bringing Kyle to San Diego Humane Society’s Escondido Campus for emergency care. Despite the traumatic encounter, Kyle 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 of time, staff let him serve his quarantine in a larger enclosure inside the office of the organization’s Associate Director of Guest Relations and Animal Placement, Rebecca Smith. A small team of rabies-vaccinated staff was assembled to care for him daily.

“Kyle’s resilience has been remarkable,” said Smith. “From learning to play with enrichment toys, to enjoying window time and treats, he’s shown us he’s a fighter. His caretaker, Dani, has been instrumental in his recovery and has become his biggest advocate.”

According to Dani Strickert, Admissions Specialist at San Diego Humane Society, Kyle quickly proved to be a social butterfly. He is very talkative, often holding entire conversations with staff and happily voicing his opinions – especially when he is hungry. He loves visitors, Churu treats and snacks, and even learned to sit and offer his paw on command within days. 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.

To celebrate Kyle’s graduation and clearance for adoption, the organization’s Escondido Campus staff held a special graduation party for the 2-year-old red domestic shorthair cat, complete with a graduation cap and gown, cupcakes featuring his photo, Kyle-trivia, and games with a crochet Kyle as the grand prize!