What happens if a feral cat scratches you?

What happens if a feral cat scratches you?

Whether the bite is from a family pet or an animal in the wild, scratches and bites can carry disease. Cat scratches, even from a kitten, can carry “cat scratch disease,” a bacterial infection. Other animals can transmit rabies and tetanus. Bites that break the skin are even more likely to become infected.

Can you get rabies from feral cat scratch?

Rabies is usually transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal and is most commonly spread through bites. It is still possible to get rabies from a cat scratch or a scratch from any infected animal, but it is less common.

Should I go to the doctor if a stray cat scratched me?

Call your family doctor if you notice any of the following problems: A cat scratch or bite that is not healing. A red area around a cat scratch or bite that continues to get bigger for more than 2 days after the injury. Fever that lasts for several days after a cat scratch or bite.

What to do after being scratched by a cat?

First, you want to try to flush out as much bacteria as possible and then irrigate the wound with water. Next, wash the wound with mild soap and water. Slow the bleeding with a clean cloth and apply over-the-counter antibiotic cream if you have it. Then, wrap the wound in a sterile bandage.

Do I need an injection after a cat scratch?

Dry the wound, apply antibiotic ointment, and cover it with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. Call your doctor if the bite or scratch broke or punctured the skin, even if the area is small. A child who is bitten by an animal may need antibiotics, a tetanus booster, or rarely, a series of rabies shots.

What happens if you get scratched by a feral cat?

Most infections usually occur after scratches from domestic or feral cats, especially kittens. CSD occurs wherever cats and fleas are found. The most common symptoms include fever; enlarged, tender lymph nodes that develop 1–3 weeks after exposure; and a scab or pustule at the scratch site.

What happens if you get bit by a cat and scratch?

“If you contract pasteurella bacteria after a cat bites or scratches you, initial signs of infection can appear in a few hours ,” says Dr. Sayles. “Hands, joints and tendons are at greatest risk.” People can also contract cat scratch fever, also called cat scratch disease (CSD).

What is cat scratch disease?

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.

Can you get Cat Scratch Fever from a cat?

Also, people can contract cat scratch fever, also called cat scratch disease (CSD). This comes from cats infected with Bartonella henselae bacteria. A bite, scratch or even the saliva of an infected cat can pass it along.