Can I get rabies from my vaccinated cat after a stray scratched it?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 10 months and 13 days old
Hello. Both my male cats are agressive, they are not yet neutered. However when I intervened with the fight I got scratched and bitten. They both had the annual rabies vaccine, but I have not. Also, I have adopted a new stray cat that doesn't have vaccines yet. One of my male cats was scratched by the unvaccinated stray. Will I get ravies because of the contact my stray had with my vaccinated male cat who bit me?
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on November 9th, 2018
You should contact the health department or animal control in your area regarding your bite - they might recommend a quarantine for your cat to be sure there is no concern for rabies. No vaccine is 100% effective so while it is unlikely that the unvaccinated cat could transmit rabies to your cat it is possible. You should also probably contact your physician - cat bites often get infected!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on October 23rd, 2017
It is very unlikely a healthy, 1 year old cat would have rabies and transmission through scratches is also extremely rare; but there are numerous other infections which can be spread by deep scratch wounds from cats. I recommend you get the wound checked by a physician and also that you encourage your friend to get the cat vaccinated also!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on May 27th, 2019
Hi there. You don't need to worry about rabies, but cat scratches can cause infection because cat's have a lot of bacteria in their nails. I would recommend cleaning it with some dial soap or other anti-septic, and monitoring it closely. If the cut or hand begins to swell, I would seek medical attention. I hope that helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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