What to do if scratched by a stray cat
Nov 25, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
After being scratched by a stray cat, immediately rinse the wound thoroughly with running water or soapy water, disinfect completely, assess the depth of the wound, receive timely vaccinations, and monitor changes in the wound. Stray cats may carry pathogens such as the rabies virus, so the risk should not be ignored. If the wound is deep, continues to bleed, or shows signs of redness, swelling, or pus, seek medical attention promptly. Immediately flush the wound with running clean water or soapy water.
After being scratched by a stray cat, immediate actions should include wound irrigation, thorough disinfection, assessment of wound depth, timely vaccination, and monitoring for changes in the wound. Stray cats may carry pathogens such as the rabies virus, so the risk should not be ignored. If the wound is deep, bleeding persists, or signs of redness, swelling, or pus appear, seek medical attention promptly.
1. Wound Irrigation: Immediately flush the wound with running tap water or soapy water for 15–20 minutes continuously to remove saliva and contaminants from within the wound, reducing the risk of pathogen retention. Avoid squeezing the wound forcefully during rinsing.
2. Thorough Disinfection: After rinsing, apply iodine tincture or medical alcohol to the wound and surrounding skin, wiping 2–3 times to kill residual surface bacteria and viruses. Allow the wound to remain exposed to air after disinfection; avoid tight bandaging.
3. Assess Wound Depth: Check whether the wound has reached the dermis layer and whether there are lacerations or penetrating injuries. Superficial scratches can be managed at home, but deeper wounds or those heavily contaminated require caution due to risks of infection and tetanus.
4. Timely Vaccination: Stray cats are high-risk carriers of the rabies virus. Regardless of wound size, prompt administration of the rabies vaccine is essential. For deeper wounds, rabies immunoglobulin should also be administered under medical guidance.
5. Monitor Wound Changes: Check the wound daily for signs of infection such as expanding redness, swelling, pus discharge, or increasing pain. Also monitor for systemic symptoms like fever or fatigue, and seek timely intervention if abnormalities occur.
Keep the wound clean and dry, avoid contact with water and friction, maintain a light diet avoiding spicy or irritating foods, refrain from strenuous activities, complete the full course of vaccinations according to the recommended schedule, and avoid using unverified home remedies on the wound.
