Cat scratches should always be taken seriously, especially if they involve a cat you don’t know. The following is the knowledge and operation after a cat scratches.
heal wounds
Regardless of the severity of the scratch, it should be dealt with quickly. Wash with soapy water (preferably a mild, fragrance-free soap such as Marseille soap), then rinse with clean water.
Then proceed to disinfection. Put a few drops of a chlorhexidine-based antiseptic (Betadine® type) on a piece of gauze or cotton, or, for less tightness, 70° alcohol modified, and apply directly to the lesion.
check your vaccines
What to do after being scratched by a cat
If an animal has been bitten or scratched, it is important to be vaccinated against tetanus, a disease caused by Clostridium tetani, the same family of bacteria that causes gangrene and botulism.
Check your immunization schedule. Children get the tetanus vaccine at 2, 4, 6 and 18 months, and then around 5 years of age. Once an adult, it needs to be strengthened every 10 years to be protected.
When should you consult?
What to do after being scratched by a cat
All cat scratches do not necessarily warrant a consultation.
Cleaning and disinfecting the wound daily for a few days should be enough for the wound to heal. However, if the scratch occurs near or on mucous membranes, or near or in the eyes, it is best to seek medical advice and appropriate treatment.
It is also recommended to consult your doctor if you are immunosuppressed.
cat scratch disease
What to do after being scratched by a cat
Cats can spread zoonosis, which is the transmission of disease to humans.
Thirty percent of cat scratches develop infections, although in most cases they remain benign.
The two most common forms of cat scratch disease are pasteurellosis, which is caused by bacteria, and sporotrichosis, which is caused by fungi.
take medicine when necessary
What to do after being scratched by a cat
Cat scratches generally do not require any medical treatment, unless they are severe scratches or partial scratches on vulnerable parts of the body.
If the pain is severe, pain relievers such as acetaminophen, aspirin, or even ibuprofen can provide relief.
Applying warm water to the painful area and/or applying an antibacterial cream can also provide relief.
taking antibiotics
What to do after being scratched by a cat
A doctor may prescribe antibiotic treatment to prevent certain illnesses associated with cat scratching. The main active molecules required for such lesions are amoxicillin, doxycycline, rifampicin, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, trimethoprim, and sulfamethoxazole.
The course of treatment is quite long, generally lasting about ten days.
Antifungal therapy may also be considered if sporotrichosis occurs.
In case of complications
What to do after being scratched by a cat
Complications can occur after cat scratches. Onset hours to days after injury, if symptoms are not localized, cause and effect cannot necessarily be established immediately.
Consult your doctor if you develop reddened skin, pustules or nodules around wounds, or even moderate fever (38 to 38.5°C), fatigue, weakness or loss of appetite.
Prevention is better than cure
What to do after being scratched by a cat
In order to avoid being scratched by cats, prevention is better than cure, and certain preventive measures should be taken.
Avoid petting a cat you don’t know, even if it seems friendly. Cats’ personalities can be unpredictable at times.
If you have a kitten, don’t let him bite you, pull your hand away and ignore him, saying a firm “no” will let him know that this is not acceptable behavior for you.
In case of manipulation (veterinary, nursing, etc.), especially when the cat or kitten is under stress, wear a pair of gloves and cover your arms.
