HomeAnswersGeneral Medicinecat biteI was bitten by my pet cat. Should I take the rabies vaccine?

I got a small cut due to my cat bite. Should I take another anti-rabies shot?

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Published At April 9, 2022
Reviewed AtApril 9, 2022

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I was bitten by my cat and had a small cut on my finger. I washed it with running water and soap and applied Povidone-iodine antiseptic on it. I was vaccinated with an anti-rabies shot about six months ago, but my cat is not vaccinated yet. Should I go to the hospital and get another shot?

Answered by Dr. Arpit Varshney

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

You did a good thing by washing the cut with soap and running water. This has decreased your chances of getting infected by 90%. But now, for the remaining 10%, I suggest you take a booster dose of the anti-rabies vaccine as you were vaccinated very recently, and your cat is a pet cat. All these things are in your favor of not catching the infection. Also, I suggest that if you get a tetanus toxoid shot, your protection will be 100%, and the chances of infection will be zero. So nothing to worry about, you are safe.

Hope this helps.

Kindly revert in case of further queries.

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

Dr. Arpit Varshney
Dr. Arpit Varshney

General Medicine

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