Table of Contents
How long after a cat scratch does infection set in?
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.
Should I be worried if a stray cat scratched me?
If a stray cat bites or scratches you, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water right away. See your doctor or nurse immediately. Stray cats may come in contact with bats, raccoons and skunks which sometimes carry rabies. The rabies virus is in the saliva of a sick animal.
What diseases can you get from cat scratches?
Cat scratch disease is a bacterial infection caused by Bartonella henselae bacteria. Most infections usually occur after scratches from domestic or feral cats, especially kittens. CSD occurs wherever cats and fleas are found.
What kind of infection can you get from a cat scratch?
Cat-scratch fever is an infection caused by a kind of bacteria called Bartonella henselae (it’s also sometimes called Bartonella henselae infection). You can get it if a cat that has this type of bacteria licks an open wound on your skin or bites or scratches you.
How can you tell if a stray cat has rabies?
What Are the Symptoms of Rabies?
- Changes in behavior. Cats who are usually calm may become excitable or agitated.
- Aggression. Cats can become excitable, aggressive, and vicious towards humans or other animals.
- Drooling. Rabies can affect muscles in a cat’s mouth so they can’t swallow.
- Loss of muscle control.
Can a cat scratch cause rabies?
While you get infected with rabies when bitten by an infected dog or cat, it can be just as fatal when a rabid dog or cat with saliva-infested nails—say, one that has been licking its paws— scratches a human. Although it is highly unlikely to contract rabies from a scratch, it can still happen.
What to do if a stray cat bites you?
If a cat or dog bites you, you should:
- Wash the wound gently with soap and water.
- Apply pressure with a clean towel to the injured area to stop any bleeding.
- Apply a sterile bandage to the wound.
- Keep the wound elevated above your heart to prevent swelling and infection.
Can a cat scratch cause infection?
Cat-scratch disease is an infection you can get after a cat scratches, bites, or licks you. It is caused by bacteria in cat saliva. Cats likely get the bacteria from fleas. Cat-scratch disease is also called cat-scratch fever.
What happens if you get scratched by a stray cat?
What Can Happen When a Stray Cat Scratches You? 1 Cat Scratch Disease. Unsurprisingly, cat scratch disease is one of the possible results of a stray cat’s scratch. 2 Rabies. A scratch from a stray cat also can lead to the viral condition rabies. 3 Tetanus. 4 Other Possibilities.
Should I take my Cat to the vet for a scratch?
If you are worried that your cat may be experiencing symptoms from the bacteria, contact your vet. If you get scratched or bitten by a cat, wash the area with soap and water. Look for signs of infection over the next 2 weeks. Call your doctor if you have symptoms.
How long does it take for a cat scratch to heal?
Symptoms of cat-scratch disease. A red bump, sore, or blister may develop where a cat has bitten or scratched you. This could happen 3 to 10 days after the bite or scratch. The sore or blister may take a long time to heal.
What do you need to know about cat scratch disease?
Cat-Scratch Disease 1 Cat-scratch disease is an infection you can get after a cat scratches,… 2 Symptoms of cat-scratch disease. A red bump, sore, or blister may develop where a cat has bitten… 3 Your doctor will examine the bite or scratch…