My 5 year old was just scratched or bit by the neighbors cat how can we tell which and what should we do next?

Question

We have treated it, just curious how to tell the diff between a bite and a scratch

Answer 1

A cat bite would leave puncture wounds that may or may not bleed, while a scratch would probably leave up to four parallel scratch marks. Scratches tend to bleed more than puncture wounds.

Besides washing the wound with warm to hot water and getting your child a tetanus shot, you don't have much to worry about unless the wound begins to swell up. If it does, your child would need antibiotics.

Answer 2

First you ask your neighbors is the cat is current on its rabies vaccination. That is the only communicable disease the cat could have given your son.

Next, inspect the wound. A bite is usually a round hole in the skin, with a matching hole on the opposite side of the finger, hand, whatever. Basically, you are looking to see if the cat got it's mouth around whatever it bit. If it is a long line, like a scratch, then my guess would be your five year old got a scratch. Always better to be safe than sorry. If you have any real concerns about the wound, have it checked by a doctor.

Maybe talk to your neighbors about keeping the cat inside. You can always use "selling points" like it is better to keep the cat safe from traffic, etc.

Answer 3

if its a scratch, it won't be very deep and more the same level. a bite on the other hand would look deeper in some places than others.
if this is the case, i would highly recommend talking to your doctor regarding this. the saliva of a cat can be loaded with bacteria that can make the little one sick.
the doc may recommend a tetanus shot.

Answer 4

Scratch marks are long lines. Bite marks are little holes. Ask your neighbor if the cat has been vaccinated against rabies.

Answer 5

Put Peroxide on the scratch and bitten areas. if its severe call a doctor. but if there little scratches theres no legal action required but if its serious call the police and file a report.

Answer 6

First ask your neighbore if there's anything wrong with the cat (if it's sick or on meds.) if not let it heal it should be okay, if so take them to the doctor

Answer 7

Your child needs a tetanus shot!

Answer 8

call animal control if it little scaches just put peroxside and it will be fine

Answer 9

she'll be fine...
a little scratch won't hurt her, even a bite, as long as it doesn't have rabies, if its a pet if probably doesn't!

Answer 10

aarontwoe your a *** talking to someone worried your a **** head