"A nail scratch from an unvaccinated domestic cat is considered a Category II exposure for Rabies. While the risk from a homegrown cat is lower than a stray, Rabies is a fatal disease, and medical protocol strictly recommends post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) if the animal's vaccination status is unknown or incomplete. Relying solely on local ointments like T-Bact is insufficient for viral protection
Next Steps
Start Anti-Rabies Vaccine (ARV): I recommend starting the 5-dose (or 4-dose ID) Rabies vaccine schedule immediately (Day 0). The sooner you start, the better the protection.
Observe the Cat: Since it is a relative's pet, observe the cat for 10 days. If the cat remains healthy and shows no signs of Rabies (aggression, drooling, or sudden death) after 10 days, you can discuss with your doctor about stopping the remaining doses.
Wound Cleaning: If you haven't already, wash the scratch area with running water and soap for at least 15 minutes. This is the most effective way to mechanically remove the virus.
Tetanus Shot: If your last Tetanus toxoid (TT) injection was more than 6 months to 1 year ago, you should also take a Tetanus booster
Health Tips
For a specific vaccination schedule (Day 0, 3, 7, 14, 28) and direct follow-up on the cat's health observation, you can consult me directly through my profile.