What should I do if scratched by a cat? Can I skip the injection?
Feb 14, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Shaolong
Introduction
If you are scratched by a cat, you should go to the hospital immediately for an examination. Do not make decisions on your own, as this may delay treatment. Whether or not you need injections after being scratched by a cat depends on the entry point of the pathogen, the rabies virus load, and the level of exposure. If it is ordinary contact with or feeding of animals, or if only intact skin has been licked, this is classified as Category I exposure, and neither rabies vaccine nor immunoglobulin is required.
If you are scratched by a cat, you should immediately go to the hospital for an evaluation—do not make decisions on your own, as this may delay treatment. Whether or not you need injections after being scratched by a cat depends on the entry point of the virus, the viral load of rabies, and the level of exposure.
1. Category I Exposure
If there is only ordinary contact with or feeding of an animal, or if intact skin has been licked, this is classified as Category I exposure, which does not require rabies vaccination or immunoglobulin injection.
2. Category II Exposure
If there is a minor bite wound or slight abrasion without bleeding, this constitutes Category II exposure. In such cases, proper wound management is required along with administration of the rabies vaccine. If it is unclear whether skin damage has occurred, you can wipe the affected area with alcohol; if pain is felt, this indicates that the skin has been compromised.
3. Category III Exposure
Bites causing skin punctures or bleeding, or areas of broken skin that have been licked, are considered Category III exposure. After initial wound care, in addition to receiving the rabies vaccine, passive immunization with rabies immunoglobulin must be administered around the wound site.
