AskDocDoc
/
/
/
Am I at risk after being nipped by a stray cat?
FREE!Ask Doctors — 24/7
Connect with Doctors 24/7. Ask anything, get expert help today.
500 doctors ONLINE
#1 Medical Platform
Ask question for free
00H : 01M : 54S
background image
Click Here
background image
Infectious Illnesses
Question #24273
4 hours ago
18

Am I at risk after being nipped by a stray cat? - #24273

Client_6a6612

I got nipped by a stray cat. I am not even sure if it was even a nip; there was no blood. I am from Pakistan. I washed my hands immediately after. The stray looks healthy 21 days later, and even the light pink mark was gone within less than 24 hours. Am I at any risk?

Did you experience any symptoms after the incident?:

- No symptoms at all

Have you had any previous vaccinations for rabies?:

- No, never vaccinated

Are there any other pets or animals in your household?:

- No pets at all
300 INR (~3.53 USD)
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image asteriksCTA image

Doctors' responses

Dr. Bharat Joshi
I’m a periodontist and academician with a strong clinical and teaching background. Over the last 4 years and 8 months, I’ve been actively involved in dental education, guiding students at multiple levels including dental hygienist, BDS, and MDS programs. Currently, I serve as a Reader at MMCDSR in Ambala, Haryana—a role that allows me to merge my academic passion with hands-on experience. Clinically, I’ve been practicing dentistry for the past 12 years. From routine procedures like scaling and root planing to more advanced cases involving grafts, biopsies, and implant surgeries. Honestly, I still find joy in doing a simple RCT when it’s needed. It’s not just about the procedure but making sure the patient feels comfortable and safe. Academically, I have 26 research publications to my credit. I’m on the editorial boards of the Archives of Dental Research and Journal of Dental Research and Oral Health, and I’ve spent a lot of time reviewing manuscripts—from case reports to meta-analyses and even book reviews. I was honored to receive the “Best Editor” award by Innovative Publications, and Athena Publications recognized me as an “excellent reviewer,” which honestly came as a bit of a surprise! In 2025, I had the opportunity to present a guest lecture in Italy on traumatic oral lesions. Sharing my work and learning from peers globally has been incredibly fulfilling. Outside academics and clinics, I’ve also worked in the pharmaceutical sector as a Drug Safety Associate for about 3 years, focusing on pharmacovigilance. That role really sharpened my attention to detail and deepened my understanding of drug interactions and adverse effects. My goal is to keep learning, and give every patient and student my absolute best.
4 hours ago
5

Hello dear See if there was no Saliva contact by the car on the wound followed by penetration of teeth in to the site ,then there is no requirement for vaccination. In case of the above mentioned scenario has occurred then get rabies vaccination done from nearby hospital Hopefully iam clear with your query Regards

1682 answered questions
62% best answers

0 replies
Dr. Arsha K Isac
I am a general dentist with 3+ years of working in real-world setups, and lemme say—every single patient teaches me something diff. It’s not just teeth honestly, it’s people… and how they feel walking into the chair. I try really hard to not make it just a “procedure thing.” I explain stuff in plain words—no confusing dental jargon, just straight talk—coz I feel like when ppl *get* what's going on, they feel safer n that makes all the difference. Worked with all ages—like, little kids who need that gentle nudge about brushing, to older folks who come in with long histories and sometimes just need someone to really sit n listen. It’s weirdly rewarding to see someone walk out lighter, not just 'coz their toothache's gone but coz they felt seen during the whole thing. A lot of ppl come in scared or just unsure, and I honestly take that seriously. I keep the vibe calm. Try to read their mood, don’t rush. I always tell myself—every smile’s got a story, even the broken ones. My thing is: comfort first, then precision. I want the outcome to last, not just look good for a week. Not tryna claim perfection or magic solutions—just consistent, clear, hands-on care where patients feel heard. I think dentistry should *fit* the person, not push them into a box. That's kinda been my philosophy from day one. And yeah, maybe sometimes I overexplain or spend a bit too long checking alignment again but hey, if it means someone eats pain-free or finally smiles wide in pics again? Worth it. Every time.
2 hours ago
5

Hello

🛑Your risk is extremely low to essentially none.

Why: No blood, no broken skin → rabies virus cannot enter You washed immediately (good move) The cat is healthy 21 days later — an animal infectious with rabies would not survive that long

The mark disappeared within 24 hours, suggesting no real bite

Key rule:

Rabies requires saliva entering broken skin or a mucous membrane. A light nip with intact skin = no exposure.

Because you’re in Pakistan (rabies-endemic): If there had been any bleeding, puncture, or scratch, vaccination would be advised In your described situation, PEP is NOT indicated

Based on what you described, you’re safe. This doesn’t sound like a rabies exposure.

I trust this helps Thank you

881 answered questions
51% best answers

0 replies
Dr. Shayeque Reza
I completed my medical degree in 2023, but honestly, my journey in healthcare started way before that. Since 2018, I’ve been actively involved in clinical practice—getting hands-on exposure across multiple departments like ENT, pediatrics, dermatology, ophthalmology, medicine, and emergency care. One of the most intense and defining phases of my training was working at a District Government Hospital for a full year during the COVID pandemic. It was chaotic, unpredictable, and exhausting—but it also grounded me in real-world medicine like no textbook ever could. Over time, I’ve worked in both OPD and IPD setups, handling everything from mild viral fevers to more stubborn, long-term conditions. These day-to-day experiences really built my base and taught me how to stay calm when things get hectic—and how to adjust fast when plans don’t go as expected. What I’ve learned most is that care isn't only about writing the right medicine. It’s about being fully there, listening properly, and making sure the person feels seen—not just treated. Alongside clinical work, I’ve also been exposed to preventive health, health education, and community outreach. These areas really matter to me because I believe real impact begins outside the hospital, with awareness and early intervention. My approach is always centered around clarity, empathy, and clinical logic—I like to make sure every patient knows exactly what’s going on and why we’re doing what we’re doing. I’ve always felt a pull towards general medicine and internal care, and honestly, I’m still learning every single day—each patient brings a new lesson. Medicine never really sits still, it keeps shifting, and I try to shift with it. Not just in terms of what I know, but also in how I listen and respond. For me, it’s always been about giving real care. Genuine, respectful, and the kind that actually helps a person heal—inside and out.
2 hours ago
5

Rabies transmission typically requires saliva from an infected animal to enter through broken skin, a deep scratch, or a bite that causes bleeding. In your case, there was no visible wound, no bleeding, and the pink mark disappeared within 24 hours, which suggests there was likely no skin break at all. Simply being “nipped” or touched through intact skin does not transmit rabies.

An important point is that the cat has remained healthy for 21 days. Animals infected with rabies usually become sick and die within 10–14 days after they start shedding the virus. Since the cat is still healthy after three weeks, it was not rabid at the time of contact.

Washing your hands immediately also further reduced any theoretical risk.

1386 answered questions
58% best answers

0 replies
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously

Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.

About our doctors

Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Related questions