Do I need to get a shot if I was scratched by a cat and it drew blood?

Nov 11, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Wang Lei

Introduction

In general, if you are scratched by a cat and bleeding occurs, it is recommended to promptly go to the hospital for medical treatment to prevent infection. During the wound management process, keep the wound as clean as possible and avoid improper self-treatment that may lead to infection or other complications. During treatment and recovery, maintain healthy lifestyle habits and avoid consuming spicy or irritating foods such as Sichuan pepper, chili peppers, garlic, etc., as they may hinder the healing process.

Generally, if you are scratched by a cat and bleeding occurs, it is recommended to promptly go to the hospital for injections to prevent possible infection. The reasons are as follows:

Cats, dogs, and similar animals are among the most common carriers of the rabies virus. Being scratched by a cat to the point of bleeding constitutes a Category III exposure, which carries a risk of rabies infection. The virus can enter the body through broken skin, and once symptoms develop, they may lead to severe health consequences. Therefore, it is essential to receive rabies vaccination and tetanus vaccination as soon as possible. If symptoms such as redness, swelling, fever, or swollen lymph nodes appear after the scratch, there may be an infection risk, requiring immediate medical attention and possibly antibiotic treatment.

After being scratched and bleeding by a cat, immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes. Then, disinfect the area using povidone-iodine solution as advised by a healthcare professional. After initial first aid, seek prompt medical care at a hospital. During treatment, keep the wound as clean as possible and avoid improper self-treatment that could lead to infection or other complications.

During treatment and recovery, maintain healthy lifestyle habits and avoid consuming spicy or irritating foods such as Sichuan pepper, chili peppers, and garlic, as these may hinder the healing process.

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How to self-assess that you are fine after being scratched by a cat

In general, after being scratched by a cat, you can assess whether there is a problem by observing the wound condition, checking the cat's health status, monitoring your own physical symptoms, checking for allergic reactions, and reviewing past immunization history. If necessary, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. After being scratched by a cat, the wound should immediately be disinfected using antiseptics such as iodophor or alcohol to reduce the risk of infection.

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What should I do if a cat's claw has scratched me and caused a small spot of bleeding?

In general, if scratched by a cat to the point of drawing a drop of blood, the condition can be managed through immediate wound cleaning, disinfection, prompt medical attention, rabies vaccination, and oral medication. Additionally, it is essential to complete the full vaccine schedule as prescribed without interruption during treatment. If abnormal symptoms such as wound pus, fever, or headache occur, immediate follow-up consultation is necessary for the doctor to adjust the treatment plan.

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Why is it not recommended to receive the rabies vaccine after being scratched by a cat?

The claim that it is not recommended to receive rabies vaccination immediately after being scratched by a cat is inaccurate. Whether or not to administer rabies vaccination should be determined based on specific circumstances. In general, situations such as a healthy, vaccinated household cat, the cat remaining healthy and alive during the 10-day observation period, a Category I exposure, prior completion of full vaccination course, or laboratory confirmation of absence of rabies virus in the cat may allow for deferred or unnecessary vaccination.