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Doubt regarding rabies.
A cat playfully scratched me on June 23rd. It looked healthy and ate well during that time. There was no bleeding or marks at the scratch site. I immediately washed it with soap and water. I got the first rabies vaccine on July5th. Is it too late? I have not seen the cat after this so far.
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Risk Assessment
Type of exposure: Category II (scratch without bleeding)
→ Moderate risk, rabies vaccine is recommended.
Delay of 12 days before first dose: Not ideal, but not useless — vaccination is still advised and beneficial even after a delay if the person remains asymptomatic.
Next Steps
✅ What You Should Do Now
1. Complete the full course of vaccination:
Since you've already started on July 5th, follow the Essen regimen:
Days 0, 3, 7, 14, and 28 (you've already taken Day 0).
2. No need for Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG):
Since it was only a scratch without bleeding, and it's been 12 days, RIG isn't required now.
Health Tips
⚠️ Important Notes
If the cat remained healthy for at least 10 days after the scratch, then rabies transmission is unlikely.
Since the cat is now missing, we assume the worst to be safe — so completing vaccination is crucial.
Watch for symptoms: If you develop any unusual neurological symptoms (tingling at the site, headache, confusion, etc.), seek emergency care immediately — but this is extremely rare after a delayed but completed vaccine course.
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Since there were absolutely no scratch marks and absolutely no bleeding this is a Category I exposure and requires no post exposure prophylaxis. Category I entails just nibbling and licks on intact skin.
If there were any scratch marks or if there were any licks on the mucus membrane or broken skin then its Category II exposure, requires the complete course.
Next Steps
It's necessary to start prophylaxis immediately on Category II exposure. However since you had a Category I exposure according to your statement you did not need it at all.
Health Tips
You can complete the course as a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Since the first dose was likely given unnecessarily, completing the full course would provide long-term protection against future potential exposures for a period of years (booster may be needed later if exposed), especially since you would feel significantly anxious or unprotected if you stopped.
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Dear Practo User.
Thanks for sending across your query.
Since the scratch occurred on June 23rd and the first rabies vaccine was given on July 5th (12 days later), it's outside the ideal window. However, continuing the full vaccine course is still recommended for protection.
Next Steps
For further details you can consult with me in Dr. Monga medi clinic or consult me directly by taking a consultation on Practo.
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Thank you for your question.
Even though the scratch appeared minor and the cat seemed healthy, rabies is a fatal disease and any potential exposure should be taken seriously.
Since the scratch occurred on June 23rd and the first rabies vaccine was taken on July 5th (12 days later), this is considered delayed post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
Here’s what you need to know:
- Rabies virus incubation in humans typically ranges from 1 to 3 months, but it can vary.
- Since there was no bleeding and you washed the area immediately, the risk is likely low, but not zero—especially since the cat’s current status is unknown.
- Post-exposure rabies vaccination is still advisable in such cases, even if delayed, and you have done the right thing by starting it.
Next Steps
- Continue the full course of rabies vaccination as advised (usually Days 0, 3, 7, and 14 or 28).
- Monitor yourself for any unusual symptoms.
- If you develop any symptoms (fever, tingling, or unusual sensations near the scratch), seek immediate medical attention.
- If the cat reappears and is alive and healthy 10 days after the incident, the risk is negligible.
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