Whether vaccination is necessary after being bitten or scratched by a cat has always been a concern. Some people hear that doctors say no need for vaccination after a cat scratch and automatically think it’s safe not to get vaccinated. But is this statement really correct? Let’s take a look below.

What Kind of Cat Scratch Requires Vaccination?

First, we need to know that cats can possibly carry the rabies virus. If a cat carries the rabies virus and bites or scratches a person, it may transmit the virus to that person. Therefore, if you are scratched by a cat, you need to check the wound condition and whether vaccination is required.

How Does a Doctor Decide if Vaccination Is Needed?

If you are scratched by a cat, you should go to the hospital immediately. Based on the wound depth and whether it has been cleaned, doctors will decide if vaccination is necessary. If the doctor believes there is a possibility of infection in the wound and cannot exclude the possibility that the cat carries the rabies virus, then vaccination should be carried out.

Why Do Some Doctors Say Vaccination Is Not Needed?

In some cases, if scratched by a cat, doctors may think it’s necessary to observe for a period of time to see if there are signs of infection and whether the cat could carry the rabies virus. If the cat’s owner can provide vaccination proof for the cat, or if the cat is in a healthy period when the scratch happened, doctors may consider that vaccination is not needed.

What Are the Risks of Not Getting Vaccinated?

If you do not receive vaccination after a cat scratch, there is a risk of rabies virus infection. Once the rabies virus enters the human body, it causes severe nervous system disease, such as rabies. The fatality rate of rabies patients is extremely high, so it is essential to carefully observe wounds from cat scratches and get vaccinated as advised by doctors.

How to Avoid Being Scratched by Cats?

The best way is to avoid contact with unknown cats. If you try to provoke a cat, you might be scratched. So, be especially cautious when interacting. In addition, if you have pet cats at home, they should be regularly vaccinated to better protect both the pets and family members’ health.

In summary, whether vaccination is needed after being scratched by a cat depends on the doctor's assessment. Do not blindly trust the claim that "no vaccination is needed" by doctors but follow professional advice and take protective vaccination measures according to your situation.