What to Do When a Cat Scratches or Bites You: Wound Disinfection and When to See a Doctor

Playing with or caring for cats sometimes results in scratches or bites. While most cases aren't serious, cats' teeth and claws are sharp and slender, easily carrying bacteria deep into the skin. Proper wound treatment and knowing when to seek medical attention can effectively reduce infection risk.

## Infection Risk from Cat Scratches and Bites

Many people assume cat scratches are less serious than dog bites, but cat bites actually have a higher infection rate.

**Infection Rate Comparison:**

| Animal | Percentage of Bite Cases | Infection Rate |
|--------|--------------------------|----------------|
| Dog | 80% | 2-20% |
| Cat | 5-15% | 30-50% |

Cats' teeth and claws are sharp and slender, puncturing the skin and carrying bacteria into subcutaneous muscle, bone, and even joints, forming deep infections.

## Three Steps for Wound Treatment

After being scratched or bitten, immediately perform the following:

### Step One: Thorough Cleaning

* Wash the wound with soap and running water
* Rinse for at least 5-10 minutes
* The goal is to reduce bacterial count and lower infection risk
* Don't squeeze the wound, as this may push bacteria deeper

### Step Two: Disinfection

* Rinse again with sterile saline solution
* Disinfect with povidone-iodine (Betadine) or hydrogen peroxide
* Disinfect an area larger than the wound itself
* Apply antibiotic ointment (such as mupirocin)

### Step Three: Bandaging and Protection

* Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze to stop bleeding
* Once dry, cover with sterile dressing
* Prevent secondary contamination
* Change dressing daily and monitor wound condition

## Situations Requiring Immediate Medical Attention

Seek medical care promptly in these situations:

**Wound Conditions:**

* Deep wound exposing subcutaneous tissue
* Bleeding that doesn't stop after 10 minutes
* Wound on face, fingers, joints, or genitals
* Foreign object in wound that cannot be removed

**Signs of Infection (usually appear within 24-72 hours):**

* Expanding redness and swelling around wound
* Persistent or worsening pain
* Pus discharge
* Wound feels hot
* Red streaks extending from wound (lymphangitis)

**Systemic Symptoms:**

* Fever above 38°C (100.4°F)
* Swollen lymph nodes (especially near the wound)
* General fatigue, chills

## Understanding Cat Scratch Disease

Cat scratch disease is a bacterial infection that can occur after being scratched or bitten by a cat. It's caused by Bartonella henselae bacteria, which kittens are more likely to carry.

### Symptom Timeline

**3-10 Days After Injury:**

* Red spot or small papule at wound site
* May have mild itching
* Occasionally develops into blisters or pustules

**1-3 Weeks After Injury:**

* Swollen lymph nodes near wound (most common)
* Fever (above 38.3°C/101°F)
* Fatigue, loss of appetite
* Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain

### High-Risk Groups

* Immunocompromised individuals (young children, elderly, chronic disease patients)
* HIV-positive individuals
* Those receiving chemotherapy or immunosuppressive treatment

Cat scratch disease usually resolves on its own in people with normal immune systems, but can cause serious complications in high-risk groups.

## Tetanus Vaccine Considerations

When seeking medical care, doctors will determine if a tetanus booster is needed based on wound depth and vaccination history.

**Situations Recommending a Booster:**

* Deep wound with contamination risk
* Uncertain when last vaccinated
* More than 5-10 years since last vaccination

Tetanus vaccine protection weakens over time, so regular boosters are important.

## Tips for Preventing Cat Scratches and Bites

### During Cat Interaction

* Avoid overstimulating cats (such as touching their belly with hands)
* Learn to recognize warning signs (ears flattened back, tail swishing)
* Use toys rather than fingers when playing
* Don't disturb cats while eating or sleeping

### Daily Care

* Regularly trim cat's nails
* Maintain a clean living environment
* Regularly treat cats for fleas (fleas transmit Bartonella)
* New cats should be examined by a veterinarian

### Special Precautions for High-Risk Groups

* Children, elderly, and immunocompromised individuals should minimize contact with unfamiliar cats
* Avoid overly close contact with kittens (kittens more commonly carry bacteria)
* Always thoroughly clean and disinfect after scratches or bites

## Home Care for Cat Wounds

If your cat gets injured, basic treatment principles are similar:

1. Clean wound with saline solution
2. Disinfect with pet-specific antiseptic
3. Prevent cat from licking wound (use an e-collar)
4. Watch for signs of infection
5. Deep wounds or discharge require prompt veterinary care

Being scratched or bitten by cats is common but shouldn't be taken lightly. Proper cleaning and disinfection is the first line of defense. Continue monitoring wound changes and seek medical attention early if signs of infection appear—this prevents minor wounds from becoming major problems.

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**References:**
* [被野貓抓傷或犬貓咬傷如何處理？- SBM9E](https://www.sbm9e.com/blogs/dr喵小教室/66344)
* [被貓抓傷、咬到要看醫生嗎？- Hello 醫師](https://helloyishi.com.tw/healthy-habits/first-aid/what-is-cat-scratch-disease/)
* [貓抓病 - 亞洲大學附屬醫院](https://www.auh.org.tw/NewsInfo/HealthEducationInfo?docid=400)
* [獸醫師教你3招緊急處理 - 里德貓砂](https://leedecat.com/被貓抓傷、咬到要看醫生嗎獸醫師教你3招緊急處理/)
* [貓咪傷口居家照護 - Thinkrawgical](https://www.thinkrawgical.com/post/wound_care)

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