Laura Swanson, age 12, of Youngstown, Ohio, for her question:

WHY DO DOGS NEED RABIES SHOTS WHILE CATS DON'T?

Rabies is a horrible disease that has caused a lot of trouble in the past. Although it may occur in all warm blooded animals, wild mammals such as the wolf, skunk, fox and bat seem to be most susceptible. Rabies is a virus, and it is usually fatal. Before the animal dies it is often plagued by feverish seizures and the uncontrollable urge to bite. Experts agree that usually when a human gets the disease, it has been transmitted by a bite from a rabid dog.    

Health authorities, among other experts, do not consider the cat immune to rabies, but the prospect of a cat becoming rabid is so slight that cats are not required by law to be inoculated against the disease. On the other hand, dogs are quite susceptible, and before a dog can be licensed he must have his rabies shots. Chances are your pet dog will never be exposed to a rabid animal, but it's always best to be on the safe side.