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Cat scratch
I was scratched by a stray cat 8 days ago, site was just a white line, no bleeding nor red marks. I washed for 10 mins and put rubbing alcohol, did not sting. I have completed 5 dose series of rabies vaccination 6 months ago and found that the cat was administered arv 5 months ago. Do I need to take the vaccine? Scratch is also healing properly. Just need some advice
Answers (26)
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If the scratch did not break the skin or there was no skin penetration, this is generally considered no exposure / negligible exposure, and rabies vaccine is usually not needed.
If there was even a tiny skin break/scratch through skin from claws contaminated with saliva, since you were previously vaccinated 6 months ago, the usual approach is 2 booster doses (days 0 and 3), not the full series and no RIG.
Next Steps
A few questions to guide better:
1 Did the skin actually peel/break or was it only a temporary white line?
2 Which body part was scratched?
3 Is there any visible mark now or photo of the area?
4 Was the cat behaving normally afterward?
Health Tips
Since it is already day 8, if there was true exposure, don’t delay boosters further—visit a local doctor/ARV clinic and clarify. If there truly was no skin break, vaccination is generally not indicated.
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Doesn’t need vaccination
Just simple washing with lifebuoy soap will be suffice
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Free online consultations for age 50 years and older.
Best wishes
www.jgsr-health-education.in
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No need of vaccine
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You don't need any ARV vaccine series at this time.
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Just chill brother...no need to do anything
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Hi,
Based on the history provided, the scratch appears to be very low risk since there was no bleeding, no obvious skin break, and the wound is healing normally. You also washed the area thoroughly immediately after the incident.
Importantly, you completed a full 5-dose anti-rabies vaccination series 6 months ago. For a previously vaccinated person, if a genuine rabies exposure occurs, the usual recommendation is only 2 booster doses (Day 0 and Day 3), and rabies immunoglobulin is not required.
However, whether boosters are needed depends on whether the scratch actually broke the skin. If it was only a superficial white line without skin penetration, it may not qualify as a rabies exposure.
The fact that the cat had been vaccinated against rabies 5 months earlier further reduces the likelihood of rabies, although vaccination status alone does not completely rule out risk.
If the scratch did not break the skin, rabies vaccination is generally not indicated.
Next Steps
To advise more accurately, please share:
• A clear photo of the scratch (if still visible)
• Whether the skin was definitely broken at the time
• Whether the cat remained healthy for at least 10 days after the incident (if known)
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You are very well protected. You completed a full 5-dose rabies vaccine series 6 months ago, giving you strong immunity. The scratch itself was just a surface white line with no bleeding, which is a Category I exposure (lowest risk category) where no vaccination is recommended even in unvaccinated individuals. Additionally, the cat had received ARV 5 months ago, making it even less likely to be a source of infection. No further vaccine is needed.
Next Steps
No action needed for this specific exposure. Keep the scratch clean and let it heal. Feel free to consult me directly on Practo if you have any further concerns.
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No need.
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Since you have completed full vaccination within 6 months, no need to worry not take an extra Vaccine
You can take Td if you want if TT not taken within 6 months
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Kindly do connect and consult with me for better treatment plan and advice on your case
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Hi,
since you completed a full rabies vaccine course just 6 months ago and the scratch was minor with quick cleaning, one booster dose is usually enough.
No need for the full series again.
The wound looks to be healing well.
Feel free to consult for further guidance.
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Need few more details for proper understanding of your issue.
You can consult with me online on Practo or whatsapp on eight three one eight four six nine eight eight six for proper diagnosis, conclusion and management
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Get yourself and scratch evaluated by an expert and take complete treatment .
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If breaching of skin happened come under category 2 so there's need to take arv .As you mentioned you have completed arv 6 months ago take only 2 doses 0and 3 days
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No need .
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No need of rabies vaccine within one year
Take pre exposure prophylaxis after one year
Take TT boster dose if not taken within last one year and repeat yearly
You will be good to go
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No need of vaccine
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You can take one TT dose booster. No need for Rabies vaccine.
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No
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Dr. Zaheer Ahmad
General Physician
10 yrs exp
Bareilly
No need
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Dr. Sajid Ali
General Practitioner
4 yrs exp
Kanpur
No need of vaccine
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Dr. Ravi Kumar Nadella
General Physician
18 yrs exp
Hyderabad
No need
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Dr. Sachin Bhiwaji Sanap
General Practitioner
7 yrs exp
Hingoli
need more information
kindly consult
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Dr. Gaurav Jaiswal
General Physician
7 yrs exp
Jhansi
Avoid fried and spicy food
Water intake more
Green leafy vegetables more
Fiber meal
Walk
Do connect and consult
Will help you
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Dr. Vetsa Sri Krishna Chaitanya
General Physician
7 yrs exp
Rajahmundry
Need a few more details please consult for further evaluation and treatment
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.