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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. They release a scent from special glands in their paws which helps them mark the area as theirs. If your cat is warning another cat that she's ready to bite or scratch, do not try to touch or restrain either of them. Problem biting and scratching … Cats are bossy. Cat bite wounds: risk factors for infection. If it was not accidental, then you most likely did something wrong that upset the cat. Well done. Your cat's fur can sometimes hide serious scrapes, so ruffle through it (this may require some assistance) to be sure that you don't miss anything. Tetanus can be deadly, so it is very crucial to see a doctor after any and all cat scratches. Treat your cat for fleas. If the animal can’t be captured, your treating physician might recommend a round of rabies prophylaxis (antibody and vaccine injections) as a preventative measure. Your cat's simple curiosity could easily turn into a fun game to play with you. It also works well on fabric, carpet and hard surfaces such as walls and doors. Of course, just as you can still love a person even if they do something wrong occasionally. If you do not have adhesive bandages, you can cover the area with gauze dressing, keeping it in place with medical tape. This article has been viewed 613,807 times. If Yes, you probably will feel temporary pain and ignore it even though it could cause complications. If the wound is still bleeding after washing, hold a gauze against the wound and apply a bandage once the bleeding subsides. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. If you believe that your cat is scratching you as a result of stress or fear, we suggest you consult a behavioral feline specialist or your veterinarian as soon as possible. https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-a-Cat-from-Biting-and-Scratching A scratch to the eye needs immediate care. The risk for infection is higher for people with weakened or compromised immune systems, Levy says. If this behavioral problem isn't treated, it can worsen and result in more severe illness. ; Dry the wound and cover it with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. Consider neutering your cat. Thought my eye was tearing, but when I got up it was frank blood. Scratching helps remove the outer layer from a cat… In addition to providing cats with an appropriate scratching substrate, you should reward them for using it, a yummy treat when you see them investigat… However, actually get scratched by a cat can cause disease. Special Areas for Scratching — It may be helpful if you put together scratching posts around the areas that your cat frequents. Cat-scratch disease (CSD) is a bacterial infection spread by cats. Even more so in the eye! “Using veterinarian-recommended flea and tick control (topical or oral medications), along with good housekeeping habits (vacuuming carpeting, upholstery, and washing human bedding every seven days), can help to keep down flea populations, and reduce the likelihood that Bartonella bacteria will transmit into your cats.”. Do not allow cats to lick your wounds. Triple antibiotic ointment can be applied to the wound three times daily. From a very young age he uses them to jump and climb. Infected humans can experience fever, body aches, and enlarged lymph nodes. You may have contracted cat scratch disease. This happens most often in the glands closest to the scratch or bite. Ringworm is often accompanied by a severe itch. Tetanus shots may be necessary. To prevent cat scratches from turning into a potentially serious medical issue, there are some simple steps you can take at home, Mahaney says. How to Treat Cat Scratches or Bites Cat Scratch Treatment & First Aid. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 613,807 times. Wash the scratch thoroughly with water. ; Use a clean bandage or towel and, if possible, use latex-free gloves to protect yourself and to prevent the wound from getting infected. A cat scratch or bite can turn into a serious injury, so the best thing you can do as a responsible cat owner is prevent a scratch from happening! Reply. Feeding Kittens 101: What to Feed, How Much, and How Often. Inspecting the wound. Thank you! If you haven’t had a tetanus update in more than 10 years, your doctor might also opt give you a booster shot, Levy says. Caring for your cat scratch appropriately can help you avoid complications from an injury. The symptoms of cat-scratch disease can manifest about three to 14 days after an infected cat bites or scratches a person hard enough to break the skin, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But you need to add appropriate scratching surfaces in that area for your cat. Thanks! Clean the cat scratch or bite immediately with soap and water. Severe headaches, lightheadedness, or dizziness. Your touch can actually trigger a fight. “The bacteria is transmitted to cats from the bite of an infected flea [or through flea feces]. Don't put a plaster/band aid on the wound, they do not allow any air in for the wound to breathe. Always seek medical attention for a cat scratch if the cat was unknown, the wound was deep, or you are immuno-compromised. Therefore, pregnant women should avoid tending to the litter box or cat feces during pregnancy. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Stemcosky explains, “First, you'll want to make the areas that you don't want them to scratch undesirable. Cat scratch, cat scratch, cat scratch! Cat Nutrition: What Makes a Nutritional Cat Food? You may have to try several diets before you find one that works. If the wound is wide, bring the edges of the wound together so that there is no gap between them and apply a butterfly bandage, which should pinch the cut together. Do not react inappropriately: when you scratch do not yell at him or chase him, much less attack him. When treating superficial scratches, it’s reasonable to wash the wound with soap and water, Levy says. Severe cases can cause damage to the brain, eyes, or lungs, and an infection can be particularly dangerous for pregnant women. If there are just minor scratches, clean them up with soap and water just as you … Deeper wounds should be seen by a doctor as soon as possible to prevent the development of more serious diseases. Declawing is not recommended. Use a clean bandage or towel and, if possible, use latex-free gloves to protect yourself and to prevent the wound from getting infected. You run, but the cat chases you and jumps on you. It is treated with antibiotics such as azithromycin, rifampin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin or bactrim. From there, you can work out how to solve the problem. Every dollar contributed enables us to keep providing high-quality how-to help to people like you. Hope that you are healthy. Another reason they are ruining your home is because they know it to be their territory. If you’re wondering how to stop cats from scratching leather furniture, then cat scratch tape is the answer. Cat scratches or cat bites can cause disease, known as cat scratch fever. An estimated 12,000 people are diagnosed with cat-scratch each year, and 500 are hospitalized, the CDC reports.