Do you need a shot if scratched by a pet cat?
Oct 31, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
If you are only lightly scratched by a cat without bleeding, and the pet cat has been vaccinated against rabies, you generally do not need to receive injections. However, if the scratch wound is deep or there is significant bleeding, and the pet cat has never been vaccinated against rabies, you should seek immediate medical attention after the injury and may require rabies vaccination and immunoglobulin injection.
In general, whether a vaccination is needed after a scratch from a domestic cat depends on the size of the wound and whether the cat has been vaccinated. If the wound is small and the cat has been vaccinated, a shot is usually not necessary. However, if the wound is large and the cat has not been vaccinated, vaccination may be required. If any discomfort occurs, prompt medical attention is recommended. The specific analysis is as follows:
If the scratch is minor, with no break in the skin or bleeding, and the household cat has regularly received rabies vaccinations that are up to date, the risk of rabies infection is relatively low, and vaccination is generally not required.
If the scratch results in a deep wound or significant bleeding, and the household cat has never received a rabies vaccine, immediate medical attention is necessary. In such cases, rabies vaccination and rabies immunoglobulin injection may be required.
Regularly vaccinating pets, maintaining good personal hygiene, and avoiding scratches from cats can effectively reduce the risk of such incidents.
