Had my first bobcat release yesterday and got swatted, didn't feel like it got me with claws but later noticed a tiny couple scratch marks with no blood but still slight scabbing later on.

It was healthy and normal looking, expected behavior of a trapped cat, nothing indicating rabies but I don't want to assume anything.

Should I contact the rabies hotline and potentially seek shots? I know it's an exceptionally rare chance but not one I want to take. How many of you have taken minor scratches from bobcats? Should I worry or just chalk it up as a learning experience and do better next time?

If it was a bite I would be concerned.Rabies virus is present in saliva and nerve tissue(brain matter and spinal cord)
I dont think rabies has ever been contracted from a scratch.
I would just disinfect the scratch with some dettol.

Scratches apparently can but seemingly very unlikely transmit it if saliva happens to be on the claws. I definitely know it's rare and probably hasn't ever happened from a bobcat scratch, not including treated folks attacked by confirmed rabid cats.


The rational brain in me realizes the highly unlikely nature of it, especially considering how many bobcats are trapped annually no doubt some trappers get scratched now and then. The anxiety brain wonders if those trappers immediately get shots or if they don't worry about it.

I’d worry more about an infection than rabies, it sounds like you already plan on going the rabies route so do it.

Your lucky! Took a swat while releasing one years ago that sliced through my muck boots. Stupidity on my part as I thought I had her calmed down, I was wrong.

I've had the shots
peace of mind

cat scratch fever is a real thing. you might get sick for a few days

Tetanus shot Yes , Rabies no !

You'll Start agting like Uncle Ted

Spent a few summers in Jonesville, Mi. in the late 70's, early 80's...."Uncle Ted" lived nearby.

Did he spit on his paws and rub them together before he scratched you?

If not, you are probably just fine!

Pete

Rub some Copenhagen on it and walk it off. You are fine.

I got the shots last year.

They were a piece of cake and not painful or any problem at all.

Now, if I get bit or scratched again, I think I just go back for two booster shots and I am good to go.

I'd go get the shots just for the peace of mind. I wouldn't leave anything to chance with rabies.

What sort of incident did you have that led you to getting them?

Well the charge Nurse that night said
" You're either going to live or Die- 50 -50"

You're either safe or not

kinda like posting on tman

Hahaha
yeah that's Right!

A pre-exposure series of shots is money well spent, if only for the peace of mind it brings.

ATTENTION VETERANS: You can get the pre-exposure and booster shots from any VAMC. You may have to argue a bit, and/or get the patients advocate involved as they are very spendy. Emphasize you handle wild animals and NEED those shots. If not registered at the VAMC, do so. You may not need it right now, but you may in the future

Can cat scratch fever result from a bobcat scratch, as it might from a house cat scratch?

Apply an antibiotic to your scratch just in case.

Did he look like this one? This little booger chased me back to my pick up after release. Would have been ok but unfortunately my wife was along to witness the event. No shots available to undo that harm!

I cut myself while skinning. I debated on it for a day or two, but decided to go in. I had to get 10 shots that first day. A lot of shots, but I didn't feel any of them so no big deal.

One was for tetanus. One was the immunoglobulin which went at the cut location in my hand. Then I got two in each arm and leg.

Just go get the rabies shots. You're probably fine, but if you're not, you're dead. Simple as that. It won't make your family feel better if, on your tombstone, it says "he thought it would be fine".

I just got the pre-exposure shots last month.

I know a Wildlife Agent who had pre-exposure shots. Kept his Titer count monitored every 2 years to maintain effectiveness. He was bitten by a rabid bat and had serious health issues despite earlier precautions.



.

been cut twice by bobcat, never thought about rabies, got a tetanus shot each time and stiches

Those scratches are going to be very sore.

I just spoke to a young Amish kids that had been bitten by a feral cat while releasing. Bit right through his Muck book and broke skin.

I advised him him on a much safer way to deal with them

Tetanus, treat the wound, and watch for infection. Get treatment fast as it’s possible to go septic fast.

Rabies isn’t likely from a scratch. Though it’s 97% fatal once symptoms develop.

Pre exposure is usually covered. Great tip for those with VA coverage. I’ll pass that one along.

I found this out when my daughter was smal.. scratch that when she was young she is still pretty small.

Cat scratch fever isn’t often from a bite or scratch. It’s bartonella usually from flea poop. People get it under their fingernails and then put their hands in their mouths.
But can still happen more likely from a bite.

Why would people keep flea poop under their fingernails? That seems odd.

Most of them are “emotional support animals” owners. So they’re screwed up from the gate.

I've always heard that cat scratch fever is "nothing dangerous" and "you'll feel no pain". Also, "you'll know you got it when you go insane"....