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Pet cat escaped and bit me when back.
-My pet cat escaped on 11th. I found him in the building after searching for 18 hrs. He Had his yearly anti rabies vaccine in may 2025.
-On 12th evening I took him to the vet for a checkup, they didn't spot any visible bites on him or injuries.
-Soon after on 12th evening I went to the clinic and since the cat had licked me on my nose after I got it back on 11th, I consulted and doctor asked to take 2 doses of ThRabis. For safety I said I will take 3 and got my first dose at 7pm on 12 evening. I also had 3 doses of ThRabis in June 2023 so doctor said only 2.
- Today while playing my cat bit me on my hand as shown in the photo. Since I took the first dose yesterday evening, what are my dangers of dying from rabies if my cat has picked up rabies when he was on the lose?
Answers (10)
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Go for vaccination, dont take risk.
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Based on the details you provided, the risk of rabies in your situation is extremely low. Your cat is a vaccinated pet and received its anti-rabies vaccine in May 2025, which provides strong protection. The cat was missing only for about 18 hours and the vet did not find any signs of injury or illness. In addition, you already received rabies vaccination in June 2023 and have now started booster vaccination again.
When a previously vaccinated person gets a minor bite from a vaccinated pet, the recommended approach is simply booster doses of rabies vaccine. The chance of dying from rabies in this scenario is practically negligible, especially since vaccination has already been started.
Next Steps
Wash the bite wound thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 10–15 minutes and apply an antiseptic such as povidone iodine.
Complete the booster rabies vaccination schedule advised by your doctor, usually two doses on day 0 and day 3 for someone previously vaccinated.
Observe your cat for 10 days. If the cat remains healthy and behaves normally during this period, rabies transmission can be safely ruled out.
If the bite wound becomes red, swollen, painful, or shows discharge, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics to prevent bacterial infection from the cat bite.
Health Tips
Avoid rough play with pets when they are excited to reduce accidental bites.
Keep your pet’s rabies vaccination up to date every year.
Any animal bite should always be washed immediately with soap and water, which significantly reduces infection risk.
Do not panic if the animal remains healthy during the 10-day observation period because rabies transmission would not occur in that case.
If you want, you can book an online consultation and share the bite wound photo and vaccination dates so I can guide you precisely about the booster schedule and wound care.
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Dr. Chaithra H
General Physician
5 yrs exp
Bangalore
Go for vaccination
Don’t worry
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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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Dr. Ravi Kumar Nadella
General Physician
18 yrs exp
Hyderabad
Take complete course
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Dr. Saarika
General Physician
4 yrs exp
Chennai
Proceed with the vaccination of rabies
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Dr. Sajid Ali
General Practitioner
4 yrs exp
Kanpur
Complete the course of vaccine
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Dr. Anuj Mothsra
General Physician
6 yrs exp
Jhunjhunu
Can help you, kindly consult and provide detailed history for proper diagnosis and further management
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Dr. Rachna Pande
Internal Medicine
42 yrs exp
Bhopal
Take complete course of vaccine.
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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.