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I was scratched by my own cat last night. Do I have to go for an injection?

2007-05-26 22:35:37 · 15 answers · asked by Shun-Ei 1 in Health Diseases & Conditions Infectious Diseases

15 answers

Treat it like any normal scratch...wash it, clean it, put some neosporin on it.

Don't get scared into the whole "Cat Scratch Fever" idea...Cat scratch fever or Cat-scratch disease is a usually benign infectious disease, most commonly found in children 1-2 weeks old following a kitten scratch. The illness is relatively rare and usually mild.

You just got a little scratch...no worries...plus it's a cat...There playful...expect more! :)

2007-05-26 22:58:59 · answer #1 · answered by jakechristian75 4 · 0 1

No, just watch for signs of infection. Like other people said, cat scratch fever is real, but it's still rare for you to get it from your cat. Kittens are more likely to give you the bacteria than older cats. Just keep the scratch clean and use an antibiotic ointment like Neosporin. If you start to develop a fever or other symptoms then go get put on antibiotics. By the way, that David guy is right, if you haven't had a Tetanus shot, you should go get a booster shot. It's unlikely that you would get Tetanus from a cat scratch, but any time your skin is broken there is a chance you could get, better safe than sorry.

2007-05-26 22:56:16 · answer #2 · answered by nimo22 6 · 1 0

NO. Thoroughly wash the site with warm water and soap. Adding neosporin or another anti-bacterial product (bacitracin) won't hurt either, but isn't a requirement.

Redness along the scratch is completely nornal, however if you start itching along your arms/legs (not the scratch area), have signs of a rash, or experience any other type of medical issue go to your doctor or maybe the ER in case you are having a reaction to your cat or whatever was on its claw. Thousands of people get scratched everyday and don't have any complications, don't see adoctor or anything. BUT IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBT OR QUESTION, SEEK MEDICAL HELP.

2007-05-26 22:54:41 · answer #3 · answered by Alan P. 2 · 1 0

I'd recommend that you go for an injection and/or a round of antibiotics as a precaution. I was scratched by the family Siamese when I was two years old and got cat scratch fever. First, though, I suggest that you wash it out really good and, like one of the viewers said, put on some neosporin. Neosporin is really good at killing bacteria.

2007-05-26 22:41:47 · answer #4 · answered by Raptor 4 · 4 0

No, just keep the scratches clean with peroxide and apply neo-sporin/triple antibiotic ointment a couple of times a day. Cat bites are more dangerous. Cats carry alot of nasty bacteria in thier mouths. Some people end up in the hospital on antibiotics after being bitten because the bites get badly infected. Make sure your kitty is vaccinated for rabies just in case she decides to bite instead of scratch next time.

2007-05-26 22:44:38 · answer #5 · answered by hannidot2 2 · 1 1

Does the scratch seem different than a usual scratch? There is something called Cat Scratch Fever aka Cat Scratch Disease aka Bartonella Disease
http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/c/cat_scratch_disease/symptoms.htm
You probably don't have it, but if you think you might, get antibiotics right away, like NOW. Easier to kill when first contracted, a bit*h to kill if you wait too long. I know, I have it.

Don't listen to the guy above. It's a disease that's spreading, certain counties and regions more than others, but it's very real, not so rare, and definately not mild.

2007-05-26 22:59:53 · answer #6 · answered by LetMeBe 5 · 0 1

You can get blood poisoning from a bad cat scratch whether it is yours or not because of their tendency to walk through their own waste in the litter box. Watch for signs of infection particularly any lines tracing towards your heart from the site of the wound. If you notice any redness, swelling or increased pain make a doctor's appointment, if you see red lines go immediately to the emergency room, once they reach your heart it can be fatal.

2007-05-26 22:39:01 · answer #7 · answered by Heather 5 · 1 0

There is a thing called cat scratch fever and it is real.. You can get it from your cat.. it will make the lymph nodes in your neck swollen and you will get sick.. you should just see your doctor and make sure that your OK and clean it good... you won't get rabies from a cat scratch

2007-05-26 22:49:06 · answer #8 · answered by je 6 · 1 2

See a doctor as soon as possible and have an anti-rabies injection. The cats saliva contains rabies, that's why just a scratch from a cat might give you some health problem.

2007-05-26 22:38:53 · answer #9 · answered by toni n 3 · 0 5

No not unless it gets infected.They do hurt like hell though.Just keep the wound clean and put some polysporin on it.

2007-05-30 09:33:53 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

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