I was outside playing with my neighbors cat ( which they said is "well taken care of"..idk if that means it is vaccinated or not) and it scratched me. I am not sure if it punctured my skin because i have arash there and was not able to tell. Since their cat lives inside with them and goes out during the day, do i need to get a rabies shot?
2007-11-23 13:14:26 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
I doubt it. If the cat is vaccinated, no for sure. Most domesticated animals do not have rabies in the city. You have to be aware of unvaccinated country cats as they are more apt to come in contact with wild animals. If your skin is punctured I'm sure you could tell . If you haven't had a tetanus shot in 10 years, get one.
2007-11-23 13:20:27 · answer #1 · answered by Laurie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You actually CAN get Rabies from a scratch, Rabies is transmitted through infected saliva and animals lick their paws, don't they? Although, It is more likely to get it from a bite.
I'd ask to see proof that their cat has had a current Rabies vaccination. Technically, Rabies vaccine or not, the cat scratch should be reported to the local animal control. The protocol is to quarantine the cat for 10 days (either @ home or at a boarding facility) and a Vet will perform a Rabies Exam (to make sure the cat is not showing any signs of Rabies) after the 10 days.
If the cat is still alive in a few days, I'd say your safe....although depending where the bite/scratch occured on the infected animal (or person) it can take up to 6 months for symtoms to occur.
Also, wash the infected area and apply neosporin as well as get a tetanus vaccine if you haven't had one in the past 10 years....
2007-11-23 22:03:28 · answer #2 · answered by Jessica 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
First of all rabies is transmitted by a bite..the saliva of an infected animal has to get into your bloodstream. RARELY, it can be transmitted through a scratch, BUT a scratch that did not even break the skin could probably not even give you an infection. Also, rabies in domesticated animals is not very common nowadays as most animals are vaccinated against it. Even if there was an outbreak of rabies amongst wild animals in your area...you would have heard about it.
2007-11-24 01:43:26 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rabies is rare in pet cats and is transmitted by saliva, so a scratch, especially one that did not puncture the skin should not be a problem. Bites that break the skin can be a risk.
2007-11-23 21:36:41 · answer #4 · answered by ? 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Scratches only pass bacteria that's been on the cat's feet. Wash it off with soap and water. Pour a little hydrogen peroxide over the cuts if they're deep. Otherwise don't worry about it.
You don't get rabies from scratches.
2007-11-23 21:46:30 · answer #5 · answered by Elaine M 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Not from a scratch - it should be a bite. I also would highly doubt that a pet cat has rabies.
2007-11-24 04:30:12 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
well, I would go to the Dr just In case, and he will let you know if you if he or she feels you need the shot, or ask ur neighbors if the cat has all the vaccines up to date....
2007-11-23 21:20:56 · answer #7 · answered by amy m 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ur fine just wash it out really well and watch that it doesnt get infected.
2007-11-23 21:29:54 · answer #8 · answered by jaime51781 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋