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

Dec 02, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Yang Ziqi

Introduction

In general, "getting a shot" refers to vaccination. Whether or not you need to receive a rabies vaccine after being scratched by your own cat and bleeding depends on specific circumstances. If the cat hasn't been vaccinated or the skin injury is severe, you should usually receive the rabies vaccine. If the wound is minor and the cat's vaccination is still valid, then vaccination might not be necessary. If you experience any discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly.

Generally speaking, "getting a shot" refers to vaccination. Whether or not you need to receive rabies vaccination after being scratched and drawn blood by your own cat depends on specific circumstances. If the cat hasn't been vaccinated or if the skin injury is relatively severe, you usually should receive rabies vaccination; if the wound is minor and the cat's vaccination is up to date, then vaccination may not be necessary. If you experience any discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If your cat has not received the rabies vaccine, it may carry the rabies virus. After being scratched and bleeding occurs, to prevent rabies infection, it is advisable to go to the hospital promptly for rabies vaccination. Additionally, if the wound is deep or the skin damage is severe, it is easier for bacteria or viruses to invade. Therefore, besides cleaning and disinfecting the wound, timely rabies vaccination and a tetanus shot are also necessary.

If your cat has already received the rabies vaccine according to schedule and remains within the effective period, the likelihood of carrying the rabies virus is low. After being scratched and bleeding occurs, if the wound is superficial and properly managed, generally no rabies vaccination is required.

Once scratched by a cat and bleeding occurs, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes, then disinfect it to reduce the risk of bacterial infection. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, allowing a doctor to assess based on the specific situation whether rabies vaccination or any other further treatment measures are necessary.

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