Cat Scratch: Do You Need Shots and When?

Section 1: What to Do If You're Bitten by a Cat and Bleed

It's generally a rarity for cats to carry rabies due to their antibodies, and the risk of transmission is quite low. However, if you haven't been vaccinated against rabies or if your cat's immunity has expired, it's crucial to be vigilant. After being scratched or bitten, immediately rinse the wound thoroughly with plenty of water, and try to gently squeeze out any clotted blood. Apply iodine to the wound, and then consult a doctor to determine if a rabies vaccine or other medications are necessary.

Not all cats are carriers of the rabies virus. For instance, our pet cat is regularly vaccinated against rabies, and with the shortest vaccine validity lasting at least six months, and living in a clean environment away from dead animals and stray cats, the likelihood of our cat carrying the virus is significantly reduced. If you're scratched by our cat and not a sick one, as long as you take prompt emergency measures, you should be fine.

If the skin is scratched but not broken and there's no bleeding, you needn't worry. Simply wash the area with soap and water, dry it, and then disinfect it. For minor scratches that do result in a small amount of bleeding, a 30minute soak in soap and water followed by an iodine消毒 should suffice.

In the case of severe scratches with significant bleeding, immediate action is required: apply pressure to the wound to stop the bleeding, rinse with soap and water, apply iodine, then alcohol, and ideally, visit a local vaccination center for a shot. Rabies is transmitted through bodily fluids, so even if you haven't been bitten but scratched, and haven't come into contact with the cat's saliva, it's still possible to contract the virus, as cats often lick their paws, potentially leaving behind infectious saliva.

Section 2: What Vaccines to Get If Bitten by a Cat

Just like with dogs, if you're bitten by a cat, whether it's a pet or a stray, there's a risk of infection. It's essential to promptly attend to the wound using the methods mentioned above and seek a vaccination center within 24 hours to receive a rabies vaccine. Depending on the location of the bite and the extent of the vaccine's effectiveness, additional measures may be necessary. For instance, if the bite is on the face, head, or other areas with nerves, you'll need both the rabies vaccine and rabies immune globulin. For bites on nonnervous areas, the rabies vaccine alone will suffice, but always follow the doctor's advice.

While rabies can have a latent period, the probability of the incubation period extending beyond a year is only 4%, and most cases are acute. Some may argue that if the cat dies within 10 days, it indicates the presence of the virus, and if that happens, the person is safe. However, taking any risks is not advisable.

Tip: For more information on avoiding cat scratches, click on 'How to Avoid Being Scratched by Cats'.