Is it okay to not get a shot if a cat scratches me and causes minor bleeding?

Generally speaking, if the cat is a domestic pet with a clear health status, a minor scratch that causes slight bleeding may not require an injection. However, if the cat is a stray or its health status is unknown, there could be risks involved. If any abnormalities occur, prompt medical attention is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

If the cat that caused the scratch is a domestic cat that has received regular rabies vaccinations and has had no contact with potentially infected animals from outside, the risk of contracting rabies or other diseases is low. Minor bleeding can typically be managed by thoroughly washing the wound with soap and running water for 15 minutes, followed by disinfection. Usually, no injection is required.

If the cat responsible for the scratch is a stray or its vaccination history is unknown, the risk of contracting rabies or bacterial infection is higher. Since the mortality rate of rabies once symptoms develop is nearly 100%, it is recommended to receive rabies vaccination as soon as possible in such cases.

Even in the absence of rabies, cat scratches can lead to cat scratch disease. If symptoms such as fever or swollen lymph nodes appear after the scratch, timely medical attention should be sought. For individuals with weakened immune systems, even minor scratches may result in severe infections, so prompt medical care is advised.