Should I be worried if my cat scratched me?

Should I be worried if my cat scratched me?

If you've been scratched, you'll want to take your pet to a cat veterinarian to be examined, especially if it spends time outside on a daily basis. Some cats get germs under their claws that can cause “cat scratch fever” and other illnesses, including rabies, tetanus, ringworm or other bacterial infections.

Can you die from cat scratch?

“Yes, cat-scratch [disease] can be fatal, but it is in rare circumstances,” lead researcher Christina Nelson told The Huffington Post. “When people do have atypical manifestations or complications, they can be severe or can lead to death, but that would be an exception.”

Does cat scratch disease go away on its own?

It is caused when the Bartonella henselae bacteria carried by cats gets under the skin in a human. … But, fleas probably do not spread the bacteria to humans. Cats that are carrying the bacteria don't get sick and don't need to be treated. Cat scratch disease often goes away on its own in 2 to 4 months.

Why do cat scratches puff up?

Cat scratch disease is an infection caused by a bacterium in cat saliva. The disease causes redness and swelling at the site of a cat scratch or bite, and flu-like symptoms. If you are scratched or bitten by a cat or kitten, it is important to promptly wash the area with soap and water.

How long after a cat scratch does infection set in?

The disease spreads when an infected cat licks a person's open wound, or bites or scratches a person hard enough to break the surface of the skin. About three to 14 days after the skin is broken, a mild infection can occur at the site of the scratch or bite.

Can I get sick from a cat scratch?

Cat scratch disease is a bacterial infection that a person can get after being scratched, licked, or bitten by a cat or kitten. … Bartonella henselae, the bacteria that cause this disease, live in infected cats' saliva but don't make the animals sick. In fact, kittens or cats may carry the bacteria for months.

Can cat nail scratch cause rabies?

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 indoor cats get cat scratch fever?

If your cat is strictly an indoor cat, her chances of developing bartonella or "cat scratch fever" (as it is often nicknamed) are low, but you should still be aware of the risks.

What does Cat Scratch Fever look like?

The infected area may appear swollen and red with round, raised lesions and can have pus. A person with CSD may also have a fever, headache, poor appetite, and exhaustion. Later, the person's lymph nodes near the original scratch or bite can become swollen, tender, or painful.

Can I get rabies from 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.

How long does it take for cat scratch fever to show up?

Symptoms may become apparent within 7-14 days after the injury, but may take as long as eight weeks to present. Typical symptoms are swelling of the lymph nodes nearest to the bitten or scratched site, fever, headache, and a general malaise.

Do you need anti rabies for cat scratch?

Depending on whether you were vaccinated before exposure or not will determine what set of Rabies vaccines you require after a bite or a scratch: If you were not vaccinated against Rabies, you need a series of 4-5 vaccines and the Human Rabies Immunoglobulin (HRIG) over a period of 14 days after the bite or scratch.

Can a small scratch cause rabies?

Animal bites and scratches, even when they are minor, can become infected and spread bacteria to other parts of the body. … Other animals can transmit rabies and tetanus. Bites that break the skin are even more likely to become infected.