Getting scratched by a cat can be more than just painful—the wounds can bleed, sting, swell, become infected, and, in some cases, make us sick. Minor cat scratches usually can be treated at home, but certain wounds may require special care and attention.
Is it necessary to take injection after cat scratch?
Dry the wound, apply antibiotic ointment, and cover it with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. Call your doctor if the bite or scratch broke or punctured the skin, even if the area is small. A child who is bitten by an animal may need antibiotics, a tetanus booster, or rarely, a series of rabies shots.
Can you get sick from cat scratch?
Cat scratch fever: What you should know. Cat scratch fever can happen when a person receives a bite, scratch, or lick from a cat that is infected with the bacteria Bartonella henselae. The infection does not usually cause severe complications, but it can lead to problems for people with a weak immune system.
What to do after being scratched by a cat?
If you get scratched or bitten by a cat, wash the area with soap and water. Look for signs of infection over the next 2 weeks. Call your doctor if you have symptoms. In most cases, you can manage your symptoms at home with pain relievers or warm compresses.
Do cat scratches need antibiotics?
Most cases of cat-scratch disease are self-limited and do not require antibiotic treatment. If an antibiotic is chosen, azithromycin has been shown in one small study to speed recovery.
Can a scratch from a cat cause rabies?
Rabies is usually transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal and is most commonly spread through bites. It is still possible to get rabies from a cat scratch or a scratch from any infected animal, but it is less common.
What is the fastest way to get rid of cat scratches?
Treatment for Dog and Cat Bites and Scratches
- If the bite or scratch is bleeding, apply pressure to it with a clean bandage or towel to stop the bleeding.
- Wash the wound with soap and water under pressure from a faucet for at least 5 minutes. …
- Dry the wound and cover it with a sterile dressing.
Can indoor cats get cat scratch fever?
If your cat is strictly an indoor cat, her chances of developing bartonella or “cat scratch fever” (as it is often nicknamed) are low, but you should still be aware of the risks.
Do cat scratches go away?
Cat scratch disease is rarely serious and usually goes away on its own in 2 to 4 months without treatment.
What to do if a cat scratches you and draws blood?
If a cat or dog bites you, you should:
- Wash the wound gently with soap and water.
- Apply pressure with a clean towel to the injured area to stop any bleeding.
- Apply a sterile bandage to the wound.
- Keep the wound elevated above your heart to prevent swelling and infection.
What happens when cat scratches you?
About three to 14 days after the skin is broken, a mild infection can occur at the site of the scratch or bite. The infected area may appear swollen and red with round, raised lesions and can have pus. A person with CSD may also have a fever, headache, poor appetite, and exhaustion.
How do you train a cat not to scratch?
How to Train a Cat Not to Scratch and Bite
- Focus on toys, not your arms and hands. …
- Keep your kitten’s nails trimmed. …
- Yell “Ouch”! …
- Ignore the behavior. …
- Provide lots of cat trees and scratch posts. …
- Redirect your kitten to another activity.
What are the symptoms of cat scratch?
Common symptoms of cat scratch fever include:
- a bump or blister at the bite or scratch site.
- swollen lymph nodes near the bite or scratch site.
- fatigue.
- headaches.
- a low-grade fever, which is above 98.6°F (37°C) but below 100.4°F (37°C)
- body aches.
Should I go to the doctor for a cat bite?
When to call a doctor
If a cat bite breaks your skin, you should seek medical attention if: you start having any serious symptoms of an infection, such as fever, chills, pus or fluid oozing from the wound, or swollen lymph nodes. the wound won’t stop bleeding. the wound appears to be deep or large.
Does Vaseline help cat scratches?
Be gentle as the skin around the wound is often sensitive and easily damaged. A little bit of Vaseline placed into the wound first can help catch any stray hairs and can then these can be gently removed afterwards.
Is Neosporin good for cat scratches?
Liz Waynick is a Registered Vet Tech (RVT) who has worked with a variety of animals and is excited to share her knowledge. In almost everyone’s at home first aid kit is a tube of Neosporin, otherwise called triple antibiotic ointment. Neosporin is a must for all minor cuts and scrapes.
Is hydrogen peroxide good for cat scratches?
“Do not clean the wound with hydrogen peroxide, witch hazel, or alcohol.” The wound may be bandaged to protect it from further contamination, or to prevent your cat from excessively licking it. Daily bandage changes, as demonstrated by your veterinarian, may be required if there is a lot of discharge from the wound.
How do you know if you have rabies from a cat scratch?
Symptoms of rabies infection include drooling, change in tone of bark, paralysis, seizure, fever, hydrophobia (a sudden irrational fear of water), shyness or aggression, excessive excitability, hypersalivation (excessive saliva) or frothy saliva, irritability, lack of muscle coordination, a blank stare and sensitivity …
Do I need a rabies shot after a cat scratch?
If you were not vaccinated against Rabies, you need a series of 4-5 vaccines and the Human Rabies Immunoglobulin (HRIG) over a period of 14 days after the bite or scratch. If you were vaccinated with a series of 3 pre-exposure vaccines, you have some initial protection.
Why is there a bump where my cat scratched me?
The first sign of a cat scratch infection is a blister or a small bump several days after the scratch or bite. It may look like a bug bite. Within a couple of weeks of a scratch or bite, one or more lymph nodes close to this area will swell and become tender.
When should I see a doctor for cat scratch?
If a cat scratch or bite becomes red or swollen and you develop flu-like symptoms, including headache, decreased appetite, fatigue, joint pain, or fever, contact your healthcare provider.
What antibiotic is used for cat scratch?
Generally, cat-scratch disease is not serious. Medical treatment may not be needed. In some cases, treatment with antibiotics such as azithromycin can be helpful. Other antibiotics may be used, including clarithromycin, rifampin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, or ciprofloxacin.
How do I know if my cat has cat scratch fever?
Symptoms and Types
- Reddish small solid rounded bump or papule at the site of scratch or bite.
- Swelling and appearance of infection at site.
- Swelling of lymph nodes nearest the site of scratch or bite.
- Mild fever.
- Chills.
- Fatigue.
- General malaise.
- Lack of appetite.