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

Generally, 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, paying attention to your own physical symptoms, checking for allergic reactions, and reviewing past immunization records. If necessary, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly and follow the doctor's guidance for treatment. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Observe the wound condition

Check whether the scratched area only has minor abrasion or superficial scratches without significant bleeding or oozing, and whether there are no abnormal signs such as redness, swelling, increased pain, or pus around the wound. If the wound is shallow, the risk of infection is relatively lower.

2. Check the cat's health status

Find out whether the cat has been vaccinated, its daily mental state, if its appetite is normal, and whether there are any abnormal behaviors such as aggression, drooling, or light sensitivity. If the cat is a domesticated, healthy cat that receives vaccinations regularly, the likelihood of carrying pathogens such as the rabies virus is relatively smaller, and the infection risk is also relatively lower.

3. Pay attention to your own physical symptoms

After infection with pathogens such as the rabies virus, there will be a certain incubation period. Therefore, within several days to weeks after being scratched, pay attention to whether you experience abnormal symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, light sensitivity, fear of water, or numbness around the wound. If these symptoms occur, the risk of infection is relatively higher.

4. Check for allergic reactions

Some people may be allergic to cat hair, dander, etc. In addition to wound issues, being scratched by a cat may trigger allergic reactions, which usually manifest as itching, red rashes, shortness of breath, etc., and differ from symptoms of infectious diseases.

5. Review past immunization records

You can check your vaccination records. If you have completed the full course of rabies vaccination according to schedule and are still within the protection period, the risk of rabies infection after being scratched by a cat will be reduced. However, the risk of infection by other pathogens still needs to be evaluated comprehensively.

After being scratched by a cat, the wound should be thoroughly flushed immediately with plenty of soap water or clean water, and disinfected with antiseptics such as iodophor or alcohol to reduce the risk of infection.