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I seem to recall that cats have some sort of toxin (oil/secretions) on their claws that can cause a mild infection. I don't know if that's the case or not, or if it applies to all cats or just certain ones. I've been scratched many times by my resident hooligans, and only once or twice did any infection settle in... and that was because I didn't put anything on it quickly enough. Also possible that not all humans will react to whatever is on their claws the same way.
Anyway OP, as the others have said, you shouldn't have anything to worry about because you treated it quickly.
catdad, I love the description of "resident hooligans" they surely are.
Thankfully I have never had a bad reaction to numerous cat bites & scrathces.
catdad, I love the description of "resident hooligans" they surely are.
Thankfully I have never had a bad reaction to numerous cat bites & scrathces.
Cat bites are something to watch, for sure. Usually they are ok, but they can inject bacteria deep down. I had to go to the ER for one. I needed an antibiotic shot and oral antibiotics. They can turn really bad staph.
I haven't had a problem with scratches. In fact some of them I wished would have scarred. For many months I had to give meds to a cat that would leaves scratches when she pushed my hand back. 'No med, mama'. When she died, I hated for the evidence of her on my hand to fade...........
Cat bites are something to watch, for sure. Usually they are ok, but they can inject bacteria deep down. I had to go to the ER for one. I needed an antibiotic shot and oral antibiotics. They can turn really bad staph.
I haven't had a problem with scratches. In fact some of them I wished would have scarred. For many months I had to give meds to a cat that would leaves scratches when she pushed my hand back. 'No med, mama'. When she died, I hated for the evidence of her on my hand to fade...........
...it may have faded from your hand Jencam, but it sounds as though it will leave a scar on your heart. That's what they do to us, with the love they give. You won't forget.
I think you are probably be alright but you should trap them and get them vaccines for rabies. If the cat bit you no one here would be saying a casual wait and see response is ok. The cat would need to be trapped and kept isolated at your expense to see if signs of rabies developed. You'd be constantly fearful. It's just better to trap and vaccinate (and spay neuter if you can).
I think you are probably be alright but you should trap them and get them vaccines for rabies. If the cat bit you no one here would be saying a casual wait and see response is ok. The cat would need to be trapped and kept isolated at your expense to see if signs of rabies developed. You'd be constantly fearful. It's just better to trap and vaccinate (and spay neuter if you can).
You're absolutely right. Penetrating bites, especially from a stray/feral cat, are a whole different ball game. My boss at my workplace got bit on the fingertip by a 9 month old 'resident stray' cat. It actually penetrated his fingernail. He didn't treat it like he should have, so the nail bed got infected and he ended up going to the Dr. for treatment. Antibiotics cured it, but he almost lost that fingernail. And it hurt like heck for a while.
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