Cats Resistant to Tetanus

Fortunately, cats—and, to a lesser degree, dogs—are remarkably resistant to tetanus.

In the rare event a cat does become infected, treatment would include antibiotics and tetanus antitoxin. fantom_rd/Shutterstock

Q: When my cat was injured outdoors, his veterinarian boosted his rabies vaccination, in case a rabid animal had inflicted the wound, but did not administer a tetanus shot. When I cut myself in the yard, my doctor gave me a tetanus shot. Should I request the same for my cat?

A: That’s not necessary, because cats rarely get tetanus.