Do I need to get a shot if I'm scratched by a cat and it bleeds?
Disease description:
I was scratched by a cat today and it bled. The wound is somewhat deep. The cat is a free-roaming cat, and I'm not sure whether it has received vaccinations. I would like to ask if I need to get an injection under such circumstances?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Feng
Cat scratches that result in bleeding usually require an injection; it is recommended to go to the hospital promptly for vaccination.
Immediately wash the wound, rinsing with soap and running water for at least five minutes. Then disinfect with iodine or alcohol, and cover with a clean bandage. If the wound is deep, continues to bleed, or shows significant redness, swelling, heat, and pain, or if the cat shows symptoms suggestive of rabies (such as abnormal behavior), seek medical attention promptly.
If the cat has not received a rabies vaccination or is a stray cat, and is in the infectious stage, the virus may be transmitted through saliva contaminating the wound. In such cases, rabies vaccination must be administered within 24 hours. For deep or extensive wounds, rabies immunoglobulin should also be administered.
When treating the wound, thoroughly rinse with soapy water and squeeze out contaminated blood first, then disinfect with iodophor or 75% alcohol. Wounds are generally left open without bandaging to facilitate drainage of blood. After receiving the rabies vaccine, attention should be paid to daily diet—avoid alcohol and smoking, refrain from eating seafood and spicy or irritating foods, drink plenty of water, rest adequately, and avoid strenuous exercise.
Even if the cat has been vaccinated against rabies, it cannot completely rule out the possibility of carrying the virus. Cats that are free-roaming or have contact with stray animals have a higher risk of infection. In daily life, it is recommended to maintain a safe distance when interacting with animals, especially stray cats and dogs.
