How long does it take for the injection to be effective after being scratched by a cat?

May 21,2024
3Min

After being scratched by a cat, it is generally recommended that the first injection be given within 24 hours. If the injection is not available within 24 hours, delaying the injection for a while will still have a certain effect. Because the mechanism of injecting rabies vaccine to prevent rabies is to make people produce neutralizing antibodies. Neutralizing antibodies generally only produce a more effective amount on the 7th to 14th day of the five-shot injection method, so even if the first shot is slightly delayed by 1~ 2 days, the time for effective antibody production will only be delayed by 1 to 2 days. As long as rabies has not occurred during this period, the vaccine can still be effective.

Precautions for treating wounds after being scratched by a cat:

1. After a cat is slightly scratched, a red blood mark often appears first. The blood will gradually ooze out. Please remember to wash your hands first before touching the wound with your hands. As long as the bleeding is not severe, do not rush to stop the bleeding. The pathogenic bacteria that have entered the wound can be brought out through bleeding.

2. After washing the wound with soapy water for 15 minutes, wipe iodine on the wound. However, iodine is not suitable for direct use on open wounds, so you need to wipe it off with alcohol. After disinfecting 2 to 3 times, wait until the bleeding stops naturally. If the wound is deep and large, you can use sterile saline to rinse the wound thoroughly. To prevent rabies, rinse the wound for at least half an hour.

3. After being injured, remember not to touch the cat with the exposed wound.

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