Bitten/scratched by my 4-month-old unvaccinated kitten — do I still need another rabies booster?
Problem/goal: Hi everyone, medyo anxious lang ako and I want to ask for advice regarding possible rabies exposure.
Earlier tonight, it was dark and I accidentally stepped on my 4-month-old kitten. She reacted by biting/scratching my left foot. Since madilim, hindi ko talaga nakita if the wound came from her teeth or claws.
The wound is around 1 cm long, straight/open, and it bled a little. It does not have the usual two puncture marks that would immediately confirm it as a bite, which is why I’m unsure whether it was caused by her teeth or claws. I washed it thoroughly with soap and water afterward.
My kitten is currently unvaccinated and we usually let her play outside sometimes. She has interacted with other unvaccinated cats we have but they usually stays at home and roams around our backyard.
For context, I already have a history of anti-rabies vaccination:
Initial Anti-Rabies Series + Anti-Tetanus
July 23, 2024
July 26, 2024
July 30, 2024
Booster due to dog bite
January 3, 2025
January 7, 2025
Another booster due to kitten bite
May 20, 2025
May 23, 2025
My questions are:
Since I already had boosters before, do I still need another booster shot for this exposure?
Is a scratch treated the same as a bite if I’m not sure which caused the wound?
Should I observe the kitten for 14 days first or get vaccinated immediately?
Would appreciate advice from anyone with similar experience or medical knowledge. Thank you.