WASHINGTON — A man was attacked by a rabid cat in the Springfield, Virginia area, Fairfax County police say.

It happened Sunday morning on the Long Branch Trail, north of the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station.

Police say the man was repeatedly scratched by the cat. He is undergoing preventive treatment.

Authorities say the cat was “extremely aggressive” and died during the attack.

The cat is described as a domestic shorthair, with a black and brown tortoise shell coat and a clouded left eye. It was an adult female that weighed about 15 pounds.

The Fairfax County Health Department wants to hear from anyone else who had contact with the cat recently.

If you had direct contact with the cat between May 27 and June 5, you are urged to call the Fairfax County Health Department’s Rabies Coordinator at 571-274-2296.