Do cats need to be vaccinated if they scratch people?

Author portrait of Sarah Johnson

Sarah Johnson

Healthcare Technology Correspondent

Do cats need to be vaccinated if they scratch people?

Generally, domestic cats do not need to be vaccinated if they scratch people, because not all cats carry rabies virus. Stray and wild cats are more likely to carry the virus; and rabies virus is spread through saliva and blood. , so scratches will not become infected.
Tip:
If the scratch is serious, you need to go to the hospital for a tetanus shot; the wound must be cleaned and disinfected to avoid inflammation.