Yesterday, my cat scratched my hand while I was putting a belt around her neck. She is not vaccinated. The wound is not very deep, but the skin was torn and there was no bleeding. Should I take a tetanus and rabies injection?
Answers (19)
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Yes u should take both TT and ARV vaccine . If u have taken TT in less than 6 months before then there is no need to take TT inj. Only U have to take ARV vaccine.
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You should wash wound and take tetanus and anti rabies four to five doses based on mode of injection
Then a broad spectrum antibiotic to treat other potential bacterial infections .
Since the cat is not vaccinated and the scratch caused skin break, this is considered a Category II exposure.
Next Steps
You should:
• Wash the wound thoroughly with soap & running water for 15 minutes
• Apply antiseptic (betadine/povidone iodine)
• Take anti-rabies vaccine (ARV) as soon as possible
• Rabies immunoglobulin is NOT needed (no deep bleeding wound)
Tetanus injection:
✔ Take if last TT booster was >5 years ago or unsure.
Health Tips
Starting vaccination promptly is the safest approach.
The scratch looks superficial, but since the cat is not vaccinated, you should wash the wound well with soap and water and consult nearby hospital for rabies vaccine advice. Tetanus may also be needed if not taken in last 5 years.
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Yes — in this situation both tetanus and anti-rabies vaccination are recommended.
Because:
The cat is not vaccinated
Skin was broken (skin torn) even though bleeding was minimal Cat scratches can transmit rabies through saliva on claws
What you should do
Immediately wash the wound with soap and running water for 10–15 minutes (very important step).
Apply povidone-iodine / Betadine or antiseptic. Take Anti-rabies vaccine (ARV) course.
Take Tetanus injection (TT) if not taken in last 5 years.
Observe the cat
If the cat remains healthy for 10 days, risk becomes extremely low — but you should still complete vaccine once started.
Next Steps
When to worry
Go to doctor urgently if:• Redness spreading• Pus• Fever• Swelling of lymph nodes
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.
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.
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