What should you do if you get bit by a stray cat?

What is the care for animal bites?

1. Wash the wound with soap and water under pressure from a faucet for at least 5 minutes, but do not scrub, as this may bruise the tissue.
2. Watch for signs of infection at the site, such as increased redness or pain, swelling, drainage, or if the person develops a fever.

Do you need a tetanus shot if you get bit by a dog?

Dog bites can cause serious, potentially life-threatening injuries. While deep wounds can cause severe bleeding, they also create a significant pathway for infection. Thus, medical professionals may recommend receiving a tetanus shot following a dog attack.

Do you need a tetanus shot after an animal bite?

Tetanus immunization — Tetanus is a serious, potentially life-threatening infection that can be transmitted by an animal or human bite. Adults who are bitten should receive a tetanus vaccine (called a tetanus toxoid vaccine) if the most recent tetanus vaccine was greater than 5 years previously.

Is rabies vaccine necessary for cat scratch?

Post-exposure rabies prophylaxis (PEP) is compulsory if you are bitten by a dog, cat or other animal that is rabid or is suspected to be infected with rabies. PEP is required under following conditions: If the bite has broken the skin and the wound is bleeding.

Can a tetanus shot prevent rabies?

Wound cleansing is especially important in rabies prevention since, in animal studies, thorough wound cleansing alone without other postexposure prophylaxis has been shown to markedly reduce the likelihood of rabies. You should receive a tetanus shot if you have not been immunized in ten years.

How long after a bite should you get a tetanus shot?

A tetanus shot may be required if you have not had one within 10 years; if you are not sure when you had your last tetanus shot, and you’ve been bitten, you should get one within 72 hours after your injury.