HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients
Book a video visit
HealthTap
Telehealth
A member asked:

Is it possible to get tetanus from an indoor cat scratch? can i get tetanus even when i got a tetanus booster shot after the scratch?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

No: A scratch from a house car is an unlikely source of tetanus, and if you have had a baseline series of tetanus shots, or dpt, when you were younger, and now got a booster, you are safe. It is possible to get other infections from a cat scratch , so report redness and swelling to your doctor. A scratch is an unlikely source of tetanus compared to a puncture wound , .

Answered 5/18/2019

4.2k views

Thank

Related Questions

A member asked:

I've had all of my tetanus shots when younger with no serious side effects. Can I have a serious side effect if I get a booster shot as an adult?

5 doctors weighed in across 4 answers

A member asked:

Cut from can lid in trash bag this am. Called dr who said minor cut and no need for tetanus shot but can't recall booster last 10 yrs. Get one in am?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

Is a tetanus booster shot still useful if you didn't get the full vaccination as a child?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

If you got rust in a scratch that didnt bleed can u get tetanus? If so how long does it take to show symptoms? No booster since childhood

2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

A member asked:

I fell into a rose bush almost 2 nights ago. I have many small puncture wounds. My last tetanus shot was 3 years ago. Do i need to get a booster?

8 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

Sponsored Content
HealthTap Medical Group does not endorse products or services. Sponsored content revenues support our mission to make health information free and accessible to all.Learn more

People also searched for:

Should i get a booster shot if it's been 16 yrs since my tetanus shot?
How long do side effects take to show if i get a tetanus booster shot?
Hi! If I got a tetanus shot last 8 years ago and cut myself last Friday but it has healed well, should I get a tetanus booster?
Can you get tetanus 7 years after a booster shot?
I have had tetanus shots before but do not want to go in for my ten year, can I just get the shot booster in the future if I get a deep cut and comein?

Telemedicine

Primary Care
Manage Your Conditions
Women's Health
Children's Health
Men's Health
Senior Health
Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle
Sexual Health
Mental & Behavioral Health
Travel Medicine
Urgent Care
Ask your question
Didn't find what you're looking for?

90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.

Ask your question

More of what we treat

Allergies
Antibiotics
Asthma
High Blood Pressure
Prescriptions
Type 2 Diabetes
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.
HealthTap
HIPAA logo
HIPAASecure
Soc 2 Type 2 logo
SOC 2 Type 2Certified
JCAHO Accredited
JCAHOAccredited
Member App

Download HealthTap

Video visit and message your doctor

Member App QR Code
Play Store Member LinkApp Store Member Link

Questions?

+1 (888) 828-0841support@healthtap.com
LinkedInTwitter
HomeTermsPrivacyCookiesDMCAHealth TopicsDoctors DirectoryDoctor Q&A by Specialty
Copyright 2026 HealthTap, Inc.