How to know if your cat is rabid?

by Theresa
(Florence, Al)

How to know if your cat is rabid? Is the cat only infected once symptoms appear?

My cat had to be put down and we are awaiting to see if she had rabies. She was vaccinated but had every symptom. My grandson was scratched by her several weeks ago and I am worried that she could have been infected then but with no symptoms. Is that possible?

I am going thru shots now because I wiped her foaming mouth and got some on my hand with a small cut.