What should I do if I’m scratched by a cat?

If scratched by a cat, promptly clean the wound—preferably with soap and water—to prevent local infection. Additionally, note that cats may carry the rabies virus. Once infected, the rabies virus can enter the subcutaneous nerve tissue through broken skin and ultimately reach the central nervous system, leading to clinical disease and posing a life-threatening risk. Therefore, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention at your local Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to receive rabies vaccination and prevent rabies.