What should I do if cat scratches you?

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.

Should you clean a cat scratch?

Wash cat bites and scratches well with soap and running water. Do not allow cats to lick your wounds. Contact your doctor if you develop any symptoms of cat scratch disease or infection. CSD is caused by a bacterium called Bartonella henselae.

Should I be worried my cat scratched me?

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.

Should I put Neosporin on a cat scratch?

It may be tempting to slather Neosporin on your cat when you see it has a wound. But this first-aid kit staple, otherwise called triple antibiotic ointment, isn’t recommended for use on cats. Neosporin can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in cats.

Should I clean a cat scratch with alcohol?

“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.

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.

What ointment is good for cat scratches?

An over-the-counter antibiotic cream can be applied and the wound covered with a dry, sterile dressing until it heals, Levy says. It’s crucial to keep an eye on the progression of the wound, he adds, and watch out for warning signs that it’s time to call your doctor.

Can you use hydrogen peroxide on a cat?

“Never use hydrogen peroxide to clean a wound on a dog or cat because it stings and will damage the surrounding tissue. It also will slow down the natural healing process, making your pet more susceptible to infection.”

What ointment can I put on a cat wound?

Neosporin
Overall, Neosporin or any first aid ointment is beneficial to the superficial wounds your pet may endure but anything bigger, or certainly something looking infected should be inspected by your veterinarian. Definitely do not use any first aid ointment on suture sites UNLESS directed by your veterinarian.

Do I need a tetanus shot for a cat scratch?

If possible, keep the wound higher than the level of the heart. This will help to lessen the pain and swelling. You may need a tetanus shot if you have not had one in the last 5 to 10 years. You may also need to take antibiotic (an-ti-bi-ah-tik) medicine to help keep the wound from getting infected.

Can you put Vaseline on cat wound?

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.

Can I get rabies from cat scratch?

While you get infected with rabies when bitten by an infected dog or cat, it can be just as fatal when a rabid dog or cat with saliva-infested nails—say, one that has been licking its paws— scratches a human. Although it is highly unlikely to contract rabies from a scratch, it can still happen.

What antibiotic is used for cat scratch?

Most cases of cat-scratch disease are self-limited and do not require antibiotic therapy. If an antibiotic is chosen to treat cat-scratch disease, azithromycin (Zithromax) appears to be effective at reducing the duration of lymphadenopathy.

How long does it take for a cat scratch to heal?

Cat scratch disease is rarely serious and usually goes away on its own in 2 to 4 months without treatment. Once your child has had cat scratch disease, he or she is unlikely to get it again.

Can cat nail scratch cause rabies?

Cats can pass on cat-scratch disease, bacterial infections including MRSA, and even rabies. Making sure your cat is healthy will reduce the risk that a scratch or nip will cause you illness. If injuries happen, take them seriously. Always have bites looked at, and watch scratches for signs of infection.

Should I take antibiotic after 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 can you prevent cat scratch fever?

You can prevent cat scratch fever by avoiding contact with cats. If you have a cat, avoid rough play that could lead to you being scratched or bitten. You can also keep their nails trimmed to reduce scratches. Washing your hands after playing with your cat may also help prevent the disease.

Does my cat have cat scratch fever?

For cats that do become sick, the illness usually consists of fever for 2 to 3 days. Symptoms requiring veterinary care include fever lasting more than 3 days, vomiting, lethargy, red eyes, swollen lymph nodes, or decreased appetite.