What should I do if my cat bites or scratch me?
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.
How to treat a scratch from a cat bite?
Any regular soap will do. There’s no reason to use any antibacterial or antiseptic soap. Cover the wound with a clean, dry dressing. 1 You can put antibiotic ointment on the bite before covering, but that is not necessary. Regardless of how severe you think the bite is, always consult a physician right away. 2 The wound may need stitches.
What does it mean when your cat scratches you?
This disease is called Cat Scratch Disease, or CSD. If you’ve been badly bitten or scratched by your cat, wash the wound carefully with soap and water.
How long does it take for a cat scratch to heal?
A cat scratch or bite that is not healing. A red area around a cat scratch or bite that continues to get bigger for more than 2 days after the injury. Fever that lasts for several days after a cat scratch or bite.
When to call the doctor for a cat scratch?
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. According to Levy, signs of an infected wound include changes around the wound site, increased redness, warmth, swelling, tenderness, pain with movement, or pus drainage.
How to stop kittens from biting and scratching?
Preventing Biting and Scratching Teach your kitten acceptable limits when it comes to playing. Give your cat toys to play with instead of using your hands or fingers. Let your cat have plenty of play time. Consider neutering your cat. Learn to recognize pre-strike signs of aggression.
What are the signs of an infected cat scratch?
Treating Cat Scratches. According to Levy, signs of an infected wound include changes around the wound site, increased redness, warmth, swelling, tenderness, pain with movement, or pus drainage. Signs of a generalized body infection include fever, chills, body aches, fatigue, and swollen glands.
What happens to the skin when a cat bites?
When those claws rip through flesh, they can leave behind bacteria to grow and multiply. A cat’s teeth are capable of doing even more damage than his claws, mainly because of the cat’s typical style of biting. A cat bites cleanly and quickly, puncturing the skin and immediately releasing.
Can a cat bite or scratch its owner?
However, there are times when a pet cat does strike out and injure its owner. Apart from being painful, a cat bite or scratch can introduce infection and is best avoided. It’s useful to learn how to prevent biting and scratching, as well as how to react when this happens.