What happens if a cat scratches you?

When should I be concerned about my cats scratches

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.

Will I be OK after a cat scratch

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 serious are cat scratches

Key points about cat scratch fever

The disease causes redness and swelling at the site of a cat scratch or bite, and flu-like symptoms. If you are scratched or bitten by a cat or kitten, it is important to promptly wash the area with soap and water. Cat scratch disease can be treated by antibiotics.

How serious can a cat scratch be

Although rare, CSD can cause people to have serious complications. CSD can affect the brain, eyes, heart, or other internal organs. These rare complications, which may require intensive treatment, are more likely to occur in children 5-14 years of age and people with weakened immune systems.

How long do cat scratches last

Typically, a scratch will heal in 3 to 7 days. Deeper scratches and those in certain areas, such as the face, could take a little bit longer to heal due to thinner or more sensitive skin. The same is true for older individuals with thinner or more delicate skin.

Do you need injection after cat scratch

Call your healthcare provider for guidance in reporting the attack and to determine whether additional treatment, such as antibiotics, a tetanus booster, or rabies vaccine is needed. This is especially important for bites on the face, hands, or feet, or for bites that cause deeper puncture wounds of the skin.

Can a cat scratch be harmless

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.

What happens if you don’t treat cat scratch

Symptoms typically involve fatigue, fever and swollen lymph nodes. But in a small number of cases, cat-scratch disease can cause the brain to swell or infect the heart. Infections like those can be fatal if they aren't properly treated. "Most of the people who get seriously sick from cat-scratch are immunocompromised.

How rare is cat scratch disease

Approximately 22 000 individuals in the US are affected by CSD every year. It is likely that many more cases occur but are not diagnosed. The condition is more common in children less than 10 years of age, possibly because they are more likely to be scratched by a cat than older children or adults.

Does cat scratch go away on its own

Cat scratch disease often goes away on its own in 2 to 4 months. Cat scratch disease is most common in people younger than 20. Humans can't spread catch scratch disease to other humans.

Are cat scratches serious

Cats can also transmit cat-scratch disease and bacterial infections including MRSA. 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.

What should I do after cat scratch

Immediate Care for a Cat ScratchWash the wound(s) gently under running water — avoid scrubbing.Gently clean the wound with hand soap.Rinse for several minutes after cleaning.Control bleeding by applying pressure to the wound using an absorbent dressing or bandage.

Is a small cat scratch harmful

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.

Does cat claws have poison

Also known in slaying as cat scratch fever. The disease is caused by the bacteria known as bartonella hensley. It is transmitted by cats that are infected or excuse me two cats by infected fleas.

Are cat scratches toxic

Most cat scratches will not cause disease. In some cases, however, a cat's claws can transmit certain diseases or the scratch can become infected. If you're scratched by a cat, it's important to clean the wound promptly with soap and warm water to decrease your risk of developing an infection.