A cat's paw

Can a Cat Scratch Give You Rabies? A Pusa Owner’s Guide

Rabies is a deadly but preventable disease, and in the Philippines, it’s far more common than most pet owners realize. While most people know that bites from infected animals can transmit rabies, there’s still confusion about whether a scratch can do the same.

So, let’s set the record straight. This guide will help Filipino pet owners understand the real risks of rabies from cat scratches, what to do if it happens, and how to keep your home and pets safe.

How Do Cats Get Rabies In the First Place?

A cat biting someone

First, let’s make it clear: cats are not born with rabies. Like all mammals, they only become carriers if they are exposed to the rabies virus, typically through the bite of another infected animal.

In the Philippines, this could happen when:

  • A stray or unvaccinated cat is bitten by a rabid dog, cat, bat, or another wild animal.
  • The cat comes into contact with saliva from an infected animal through an open wound or mucous membrane.

“Dogs and cats are not naturally born with rabies,” Tagum City Veterinary Office said in a Facebook post dispelling the common misconception. “It is a viral disease transmitted via introduction of virus-laden saliva into tissues, usually by the bite of a rabid animal.”

Can a Cat Scratch Give You Rabies?

A cat biting someone's hand

Yes, a cat scratch can potentially transmit rabies—but only under certain conditions. 

As we just talked about, the cat (or dog) has to have been infected with the virus first for it to give you rabies. Assuming that it does carry the disease, there’s a chance of transmission when the infected animal has been licking its paws and it then scratches you, or if its saliva enters the scratch wound.

Some experts, though, believe that this scenario is unlikely to happen. “Since rabies is transmitted through saliva, the chances of contracting rabies from a cat scratch are low. The only chance that it might be spread through a scratch is when scratching is accompanied by hissing and biting, which can aerosolize and transmit the virus to another individual,” said Eastgate Animal Hospital.

Still, the Department of Health (DOH) does not want Filipinos to take chances. “It doesn’t have to be a bite, it can be a scratch or even licking of wounds, dogs or cats who will lick even small nicks in the skin of people can actually expose these people to the rabies virus,” DOH spokesperson Albert Domingo told the INQUIRER.

What To Do If a Cat Scratches You

An angry cat

If you’ve been scratched by a cat—especially one with an unknown vaccination status—don’t wait and see because rabies is 100% fatal once symptoms appear. 

Here’s what to do immediately:

  1. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water..
  2. Apply antiseptic, like povidone-iodine or alcohol.
  3. Avoid covering it with dirty fabric or tape. Use a clean, sterile bandage.
  4. Seek medical attention right away. A health worker will assess if you need a rabies vaccine (called PEP or post-exposure prophylaxis).

“Wounds must be treated immediately and the rabies vaccine should be administered as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours,” said ABC Animal Bite Center - Mati.

If the cat is vaccinated and you have proof, the doctor might adjust the treatment. But don’t skip the check-up because even vaccinated cats are not a 100% guarantee, especially if booster shots were missed.

Prevention Starts With You: How to Keep Your Household Safe

A cat at the vet

The good news? Rabies is 100% preventable through regular vaccination. This is why it's crucial to keep your cat’s shots up to date and limit their exposure to stray or wild animals.

Vaccinate Your Pets

Cats should get their first rabies shot at 3 months old, followed by yearly boosters. Don’t assume Muning is covered for life; ask your vet for an updated vaccination record.

Get Yourself Vaccinated

If you live in a high-risk area or like being around stray animals or simply have pets at home, consider getting vaccinated against rabies yourself, especially before any potential exposure occurs.

Avoid Risky Behaviors

The DOH recently advised the public to stop kissing pets or allowing them to lick faces and wounds. This advice applies to cats just as much as dogs.

Educate Your Family

Children are particularly vulnerable. Teach them how to handle pets gently and what to do if scratched or bitten.

Spay and Neuter

Neutered pets are less likely to roam, fight, or bite. This helps reduce the spread of rabies in your neighborhood.

Final Thoughts

So, can a cat scratch give you rabies? The answer is yes, though it’s less common than bites. But because rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms start, you shouldn’t take any chances.

If a cat scratches you—especially one that’s unvaccinated or a stray—clean the wound and go straight to the doctor. And as a responsible pet owner, vaccinate your cats, get yourself vaccinated, avoid risky contact, and help spread awareness in your community.

Your actions could save a life, maybe even your own.

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