Is it okay not to get a shot if I was scratched and bled by my own cat?

In general, if you are scratched by your own cat and the wound is bleeding, it is not advisable to skip medical treatment. It is recommended to seek prompt medical attention to prevent wound infection. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Cats may carry various pathogens, such as the rabies virus and *Bartonella henselae* (the bacterium causing cat-scratch disease). Even a household cat can potentially be infected with diseases like rabies. Although domestic cats are usually vaccinated, the possibility of infection cannot be completely ruled out. It is advised that individuals seek timely medical care, where a healthcare professional can properly disinfect the wound and administer a proper course of rabies vaccination under medical supervision to prevent the onset of rabies. Additionally, scratches from cats may lead to other infections such as cat-scratch disease or tetanus. In some cases, tetanus vaccination or wound debridement may also be necessary.

It is recommended to take protective measures when interacting with animals to avoid bites or scratches. If bitten or scratched by an animal, promptly visit a qualified medical facility for evaluation and appropriate treatment by a healthcare professional.