What to do if scratched by a cat

Nov 25, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Wenmin

Introduction

In general, after being scratched by a cat, it is important to properly manage the injury scientifically to reduce health risks. Key measures include immediately cleaning and disinfecting the wound, assessing the cat's health status, receiving relevant vaccinations promptly, closely monitoring the wound for any reactions, and implementing daily preventive measures. The critical aspects of managing a cat scratch are speed and comprehensiveness—both wound care and vaccination must not be overlooked.

Generally, after being scratched by a cat, it is essential to properly manage the injury scientifically to reduce health risks. Key measures include immediately cleaning and disinfecting the wound, assessing the cat's health status, timely vaccination, closely monitoring the wound response, and implementing daily preventive measures. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Immediately clean and disinfect the wound: Rinse the wound under running water for at least 15 minutes immediately after the scratch, using soap water alternately to thoroughly remove any residual saliva that may remain in the wound. After rinsing, disinfect the wound with iodine or medical alcohol. Avoid tightly bandaging the wound; keep it ventilated to prevent infection.

2. Assess the cat’s health condition: If the cat is a household pet, check whether it has received regular rabies vaccinations and whether it has shown any abnormal behaviors recently, such as agitation, photophobia, or excessive salivation. If the cat is a stray or its health status is unknown, increased caution is necessary, as such cats carry a higher risk of harboring bacteria and viruses, requiring stricter preventive measures afterward.

3. Timely vaccination: If scratched by a stray cat, a cat of unknown health status, or a household cat with irregular vaccination history, seek medical attention within 24 hours to receive the rabies vaccine. For deep wounds or those involving significant bleeding, a tetanus vaccine may also be required based on the doctor’s recommendation.

4. Closely monitor wound response: Check the wound daily after vaccination, watching for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, pus, or increasing pain. Also pay attention to any systemic symptoms like fever or fatigue.

5. Implement daily preventive measures: Avoid sudden pulling or provoking cats during interactions to reduce the likelihood of scratches. Household cats should receive regular vaccinations and deworming treatments, and their hygiene should be maintained.

The key to managing cat scratches lies in promptness and comprehensiveness—no step from wound care to vaccination should be neglected. Enhancing preventive awareness during daily interactions with cats can help minimize such risks at the source.

View All

What does it mean when chickenpox becomes pus-filled, and what should be done?

In general, pustular varicella may result from scratching causing skin breakdown, friction from clothing, secondary bacterial infection, impetigo, or cellulitis. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition through general measures and medication under a doctor's guidance. Maintain a light diet in daily life, avoid spicy and greasy foods, and increase intake of fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins.

View Full Answer

Are there any specific symptoms of rabies?

Rabies has clear and specific symptoms, mainly characterized by abnormal sensations during the prodromal stage and typical hydrophobia, aversion to wind, and other signs during the excitation stage. The disease progresses rapidly and is highly distinctive, with an extremely high fatality rate once symptoms appear. After being bitten, scratched, or exposed to a suspected infected animal, medical attention should be sought immediately regardless of whether symptoms have developed. Symptoms typically appear from several days to dozens of days after exposure.