Hello.
I can understand your concern.
The
incubation period of Rabies in humans i.e. the time taken from the virus to enter the body and produce symptoms can vary from anywhere between 1 week to 3-4 weeks. The same incubation period in cats is lesser i.e. from 1 day to a couple of weeks. Once the virus enters the body, the disease progression is very fast and death may occur within 10 days to 2 weeks.
Since you have been scratched by your unimmunised pet over a period of 4 months, it rules out rabies infection in your cat as she did not show any symptoms during this period like aggressiveness or decreased activity. Another very common symptom of rabies is
hydrophobia i.e. fear of water which from the information you provided, was absent. Hence, the chances of your cat transmitting the infection to you is also ruled out.
Rabies virus mainly affects the nervous system and initial symptoms include pain at the bite site, generalised muscle aches, etc. which may rapidly progress to serious symptoms like change in behaviour, aggressiveness, mental changes, hydrophobia, fear of light and eventually death. It is not known to cause swelling of eyes or tongue.
Since you have already started the
vaccination schedule for rabies, you can complete the entire course to be on the safer side. Rabies vaccinations are generally safe and sufficient for superficial scratches or bites. In case there is bleeding at the bite site, rabies
immunoglobulins are generally given alongwith the vaccines.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Dr Geeta