My Cat Scratched My Skin – Do I Need Treatment?

If a cat scratches you without drawing blood, first check whether it was a stray; a house cat rarely carries rabies, so a vaccine may not be needed, but disinfect the wound promptly.

Flush the wound with soapy water for over 20 minutes, then wipe with iodine and medical alcohol two or three times. Since rabies has a long incubation, some doctors advise vaccination for safety; you can also apply the UN ten-day rule and worry only if the animal dies within ten days.