What should you know about stray cat rabies?

Rabies can be transmitted when saliva from an infected mammal enters broken skin or the eyes, mouth, or another mucous membrane. A bite is not the only concern; a scratch that breaks skin or saliva on an open wound can also require assessment. You cannot reliably judge a cat’s rabies status from its appearance or from the fact that it seems calm. The risk depends on the contact, the animal, and local public-health guidance.

Wash and flush the wound with plenty of running water and soap as soon as possible, then use an antiseptic if available. Do not tightly close the wound yourself, seal it with irritant substances, or wait to see whether the cat becomes unwell. Seek urgent medical care and describe the animal, the location, the time of contact, whether skin was broken, and whether saliva reached the eyes or mouth. Do not try to catch the cat; report its location to local animal or public-health services.

Treat any possible rabies exposure as urgent, even if the wound looks small and the person feels well. A clinician will assess the exposure and may recommend rabies post-exposure prophylaxis, wound care, and protection against other infections. Go to emergency care for uncontrolled bleeding, a deep wound, injury to the face or hand, severe pain, or signs of a serious allergic reaction. Do not delay because the cat cannot be found or because the contact happened earlier.

Does this contact count as a rabies exposure? Do I need post-exposure treatment or a rabies vaccine? Should I receive wound care or protection against other infections, and how should I monitor the injury?