How to Treat a Cat Scratch: 6 Vet-Approved Steps

It's no secret that our kitties love using their claws! Whether it's for play, balance, hunting, or climbing, they work best with their claws out. However, if you get in the way, it won't fare well for your fragile skin.

Kitty claws can have their fair share of bacteria that could cause infection, so cleaning out cuts thoroughly can help prevent bigger issues and get you on the road to recovery in no time.

The 6 Steps for How to Treat a Cat Scratch

1. Don’t Wait

Your cat spends their days traipsing around in their litter boxes, and we all know how dirty the underneath of our own nails can be. If you are scratched by a cat, even if it is your own friendly feline, don't wait to wash it out. Go immediately to give it the attention it needs.

For the sake of your safety, it is vital to treat the cut immediately as it happens. So, drop whatever it is you're doing, and head to your bathroom to sanitize and disinfect.

2. Wash the Scratch With Soap & Water

Wash the scratch with soap and water immediately. Make sure to wash the scratch for 30 seconds to a minute to remove any debris, bacteria, or dirt that could infect the area. Warm water and some antibacterial soap should work just fine to clean the scratch.

3. If Bleeding, Use Gauze

If you are bleeding badly, apply a piece of gauze or cotton to the wound. Use a good amount of pressure to stop the bleeding quickly.

4. Use Antibiotic Ointment

You can use over-the-counter antibiotic ointments without a prescription from your doctor. Antibiotic ointment is optional, but it is a nice preventative. Superficial scratches might not need this, but if you have any bleeding, it might be a good idea to try.

5. Watch for Signs of Infection

In most cases, scratches should heal within a few days to about a week. Deeper scratches can take longer. Despite the severity of the scratch, always look for signs of infection. Over the next few weeks, contact your doctor if you start noticing swollen lymph nodes, worsening at the site, fever, and other signs. Your doctor will assess the damage and then prescribe antibiotics if necessary.

6. Consult a Professional

After a deep scratch, a scratch from a stray cat, or any scratch if you have a weakened immune system, it’s time to contact your doctor. Explain the situation to them, and see if they want to run any testing or have any medical recommendations to follow as you heal.

Zoonotic Diseases

Sometimes, kitties can pass things to us without meaning to. The results can be the same whether the scratch was out of fear or during play. When cats transfer any type of disease to humans, it is referred to as a zoonotic disease.

Thankfully, there aren't many things cats can pass to us, but we still have to be mindful of the possibilities.

Cat Scratch Fever

Cat scratch fever, also known as cat scratch disease, is caused by bacteria called Bartonella. These particular bacteria are transmitted through bites and scratches. Cats get them in their systems by being bitten by an infected flea or, less often, by fighting with infected cats.

In addition to being bitten and scratched, Bartonella can also infect humans if a cat licks a person's open wound.

While it might not sound serious, a CDC study estimated that 12,000 Americans under 65 are diagnosed each year with cat scratch fever, and another 500 are hospitalized. In rare cases, cat scratch fever can lead to infections of the spleen, heart valves, or brain.

Healthy adults are generally able to recover from cat scratch fever just fine. However, that might not be the case if you have a compromised immune system. Signs typically go away within 2 to 4 months.

The only good thing is that once you get cat scratch fever, you're unlikely to contract it again.

Ringworm

A fungal infection of the skin can itch severely and pass from feline to person. Typically, these don't have to pass through a cat scratch. They can simply spread by skin-to-skin contact. However, if your cat scratches you, you are more likely to contract the infection, permitting that they’re carrying it.

Most generally, your doctor can prescribe you an antifungal medication to eliminate a ringworm infection.

Preventing Infection

The number-one way to prevent serious infection is to ensure that your cat is treated with year-round flea-and-tick prevention. This parasite repellent comes in both topical and oral versions. You can also exercise good cleaning habits, ensuring that your floors and fabrics are vacuumed.

Good housekeeping and veterinary preventatives will ensure that your cat does not become infected with fleas and that you don't get an infection subsequently. Keeping your cat’s claw trimmed further helps reduce the severity of scratches.

Conclusion

When you get scratched by a cat, your first response is to stop whatever you're doing and get that wound clean. You don't want to leave it open to the elements any longer than necessary, as harmful bacteria could be on your cat's claws.

Don't instinctively put the scratched part of your body into your mouth, as you could ingest harmful bacteria. Also, never let your cat lick your wound, which could increase the chances of contracting cat scratch fever.

If you notice any fever or signs starting soon after the scratch, go to your doctor immediately.

Featured Image Credit: osobystist, Shutterstock