HomeAnswersInfectious Diseasescat biteA cat bit me last evening, and I am wondering if I can take the rabies vaccine for it. Please help.

Can I take the rabies vaccine for cat bites?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At July 3, 2022
Reviewed AtJuly 13, 2023

Patient's Query

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.

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.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Shubadeep Debabrata Sinha
Dr. Shubadeep Debabrata Sinha

Infectious Diseases

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