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

Under normal circumstances, a small bleeding spot caused by a cat's claw can be managed effectively through immediate wound cleaning, disinfection, prompt medical consultation, rabies vaccination, and oral medication. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Immediate Wound Cleaning

Once bleeding is noticed, the wound should be treated immediately. Rinse the area thoroughly under running lukewarm tap water for at least 15 minutes. Gently press around the wound while rinsing to help expel any residual cat saliva or external contaminants. This step significantly reduces the number of viruses and bacteria on the wound surface, lowers the risk of subsequent infection, and prepares the wound for further treatment.

2. Disinfection

After rinsing, disinfect the wound and surrounding skin using diluted povidone-iodine or medical alcohol. Use a sterile cotton swab dipped in the disinfectant to evenly apply it over the wound area, killing any remaining pathogens. This helps prevent bacterial growth that could lead to local inflammation such as redness and pain, and also protects the wound from external contamination.

3. Seek Medical Attention Promptly

After initial cleaning and disinfection, seek medical care at a hospital as soon as possible. A healthcare provider will assess the depth of the wound and the condition of the cat to evaluate the risk level, determine whether additional treatments—such as administration of rabies passive immunization—are needed, and establish a standardized treatment and vaccination plan to ensure effective and scientifically sound management.

4. Rabies Vaccination

Follow your doctor’s instructions to receive rabies vaccination after medical evaluation. Commonly used vaccines include freeze-dried human rabies vaccine and human diploid cell rabies vaccine. These vaccines stimulate the body's immune system to produce specific antibodies against the rabies virus, preventing viral replication and spread within the body, thereby preventing the onset of rabies and safeguarding life.

5. Oral Medication

If there are signs of infection or if the doctor determines it necessary, take prescribed oral medications such as amoxicillin capsules or cefuroxime axetil tablets. These antibiotics inhibit bacterial growth, helping to prevent or control wound infection and support healing. All medications must be taken strictly as directed by a physician.

In addition, it is essential to complete the full course of vaccinations on schedule without interruption. If abnormal symptoms such as wound pus, fever, or headache occur, seek medical review immediately so that the doctor can adjust the treatment plan accordingly and ensure proper recovery.