Can I take the rabies vaccine for cat bites?

Question

Hi doctor,

I know the rabies vaccine is for dog bites, and dog bites are scarier but do I need a rabies vaccine for cat bites? A stray cat and I got into a fight last evening, and she happened to scratch me on my hands and bit me slightly on my leg. I can still see a spot on my leg. Should I take rabies vaccines? Also, is there any other vaccine for cat bites?

Please help, doctor.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I would suggest you to first clean the wound with soap and water and, if available, with povidone-iodine afterward. Rabies vaccines are for both dog and cat bites and scratches. The same rabies vaccine needs to be taken as per the schedule below

1) If you are previously unvaccinated.

A regimen of four 1 ml doses of human diploid cell culture (HDCV) or purified chick embryo cell (PCEC) vaccines administered intramuscularly. 1st dose of the four-dose course is to be administered as soon as possible after exposure. Next doses are to be administered on days 3, 7, and 14 after the first vaccination.

2) If you are previously vaccinated, you should receive two intramuscular doses (1.0 ml each) of the vaccine, one immediately and one three days later.

For adults, the vaccination should always be administered intramuscularly in the arm.

Thank you.