What if the cat scratch did not bleed?
If the wound is not bleeding heavily, clean it with soap and water, and hold it under running water for several minutes. 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.
Can you get rabies from a cat scratch that doesn’t bleed?
Rabies can’t go through unbroken skin. People can get rabies only via a bite from a rabid animal or possibly through scratches, abrasions, open wounds or mucous membranes in contact with saliva or brain tissue from a rabid animal.
Will I be okay if my cat scratched me?
Risks associated with cat scratches These wounds can sometimes sting, bleed, and even become infected. Both feral and domesticated cats may also transmit certain viruses and bacteria when they scratch human skin. Some of the possible health complications include: cat-scratch fever (also called cat-scratch disease)
Can a cat scratch get infected?
What is cat-scratch disease? Cat-scratch disease is an infection you can get after a cat scratches, bites, or licks you. It is caused by bacteria in cat saliva. Cats likely get the bacteria from fleas.
Does a cat scratch scar?
Treating Cat Scratches Wounds to the hands and feet can be more prone to infection, Levy warns, and scratches to the face or other areas of the body can cause cosmetic damage in the form of scarring. A scratch to the eye needs immediate care.
Can you get Cat scratch disease from a cat biting you?
You can get cat-scratch disease from a cat biting, scratching, or licking you. You can also get the bacteria in your eyes if you rub them after petting a cat that has the bacteria on its fur. Many people who get cat-scratch disease do not remember being scratched or bitten by a cat.
Is it normal for a cat to scratch a wound?
It’s not uncommon to get an occasional scratch when you play with your cat. However, it’s important to take care of your wound and monitor it carefully for complications. Not all cat scratches are dangerous, but certain circumstances may increase your risk of developing certain diseases and other health risks.
Should I be worried about Cat-Scratch Fever?
It is important to know that some of the symptoms of cat-scratch fever are similar to those caused by other infections. This includes tetanus, which is caused by the Clostridium tetani bacterium. It’s important to call a doctor if you’re presenting with any symptoms of an infection so you may be treated properly.
When to call a doctor for a cat scratch or bite?
Call your family doctor if you notice any of the following problems: 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. Painful and swollen lymph nodes for more than 2 or 3 weeks.