Patient Question
Hello Doctor,
Should I seek rabies vaccination after being scratched by a cat with its paw nails, given that the cat appeared normal and healthy, and the scratching occurred when my sister attempted to lift it, startling the cat?
Answered by Dr. Nopporn Apiwattanakul
Hello,
Thank you for reaching out to Dr.Galen. Please find the below response to your query.
1. Rabies transmission typically occurs through bites, not scratches.
2. The cat seemed healthy and reacted out of being startled, indicating no signs of rabies.
3. Evaluate the severity of the scratch and the likelihood of rabies exposure.
4. Monitor the scratch for any signs of infection.
5. Ensure the cat's vaccination status is up to date.
Thanks
