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Can I get rabies from an unvaccinated cat scratch if my cat's alive?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | unneutered | 2 years and 1 month old | 3 lbs

My cat scratch me accidentally 1 month ago but the cat is still alive right now does it mean that hes not carriying rabies the time that he scratches me ? He is not afraid of water and always eating and drinking. (He is not vaccinated)

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 2nd, 2018

The good news is that rabies is transmitted through bites/saliva and not scratches. If Ming was infected and shedding the rabies virus a month ago, then he would have died from the disease by now. Considering all of this, I think you should be safe, but it's best to consult with your physician if you have any further concerns. Below is a link to more information about rabies. https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/index.html I hope that helps and all is well.

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    No, you cannot get rabies from a cat scratch. It doesn't matter if he has been vaccinated or not. He would need to bite you. If he did not bite you then there is no way you can contract rabies. If he did have rabies you both would be dead by now. There is no way he is a "carrier" of rabies. There is no carrier state - they either have rabies or not.

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