After being scratched by a cat, you should immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soapy water and plenty of clean water for at least 15 minutes, then disinfect it. Although most cat scratches are minor, there is still a risk of infection, with the most common including bacterial infections and cat scratch disease. In rare cases, serious diseases such as tetanus and rabies may occur. If the wound is deep, bleeding persistently, or shows signs of infection such as redness, swelling, heat, and pain, or if the patient has low immunity, medical treatment must be sought promptly.

Cats, with their soft bodies and lazy postures, become favorites in many households. However, these adorable little creatures sometimes "show their claws"—whether from playful missteps or instinctive defense when frightened—which can cause scratches. Facing a seemingly minor cat scratch, many may take it lightly, thinking "small wound, no problem," but in fact, the consequences of cat scratches can be serious or minor and must not be underestimated. It is not just a superficial skin break but may harbor multiple infection risks that require proper understanding and timely treatment.

1. Immediate Treatment of Cat Scratches: The Race Against Time “First Aid”

Timely treatment after a cat scratch is crucial, like a "100-meter sprint" against bacteria and viruses. Correct and prompt handling can minimize the risk of infection.

1. Thoroughly rinse the wound: This is the first and most important step. Regardless of the wound depth, immediately rinse the wound repeatedly with running clean water (preferably tap water) and soap or hand sanitizer for at least 15 minutes after being scratched. This effectively washes away bacteria, viruses, and pathogens possibly carried in the cat's saliva on the wound surface. Imagine it as a "deep clean" for the wound, flushing away all dirt.
2. Disinfection: After rinsing, thoroughly disinfect the wound with iodine, alcohol, or hydrogen peroxide. Iodine is the preferred choice due to low irritation and good antibacterial effect. Disinfect from the center of the wound outward, covering the surrounding area to ensure thorough disinfection.
3. Stop bleeding and bandage: If the wound is small and bleeding is minor, bleeding usually stops after rinsing and disinfecting. If bleeding is heavy, apply pressure with clean gauze or cloth to stop it. After hemostasis, cover the wound with sterile gauze or adhesive bandage to avoid secondary contamination. However, if the wound is deep or puncture-like, avoid completely sealing it immediately to maintain drainage and prevent anaerobic bacterial infection.
4. Assess the wound condition: After simple treatment, carefully observe the wound’s depth, length, bleeding amount, and whether any foreign bodies remain. These are important factors to decide if medical attention is required.

2. Potential Risks of Cat Scratches: The Unignorable “Hidden Boss”

The claws and mouth of cats often carry various bacteria and viruses. After being scratched, these pathogens may enter the human body through broken skin and cause different infections.

1. Bacterial Infection: the Most Common “Little Trouble”
   • Suppurative Infection: This is the most common risk. Cat claws often carry Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus, Pasteurella, and other bacteria. If the wound is not properly treated, these bacteria quickly multiply, causing local redness, swelling, warmth, pain, and pus formation. Severe infections may spread to surrounding tissues, causing cellulitis, or even lead to sepsis, which is life-threatening.
   • Pasteurella Infection: Pasteurella is particularly noteworthy, commonly found in cats’ oral cavity and upper respiratory tract. After cat scratches or bites, infections caused by this bacterium develop rapidly, typically within hours, showing redness, severe pain, and possibly accompanied by fever and swollen lymph nodes.
   • Tetanus: rare but deadly “time bomb” Tetanus bacteria are widely found in soil and animal feces. If a deep and narrow wound contacts contaminated objects and is poorly treated, the tetanus bacteria may grow in an anaerobic environment, producing toxins causing muscle spasms or respiratory paralysis that endanger life. Fortunately, most people in our country have been vaccinated against tetanus, so incidence is low. But if not vaccinated in the past ten years or if the wound is high risk (deep puncture or heavily contaminated), tetanus vaccination or immunoglobulin injection under doctor guidance is recommended.
2. Cat Scratch Disease (CSD): the “small test” exclusive to “cat slaves”
   • Cat scratch disease is an infectious illness caused by Bartonella henselae, mainly transmitted through cat scratches or bites. Cats usually do not become ill but are carriers of this bacterium.
   • Typical symptoms: Within 3-10 days after being scratched, red papules or pustules may appear locally at the wound which may self-heal. Around 1-3 weeks after the wound, patients often notice swelling of the lymph nodes closest to the wound, typically unilateral, with obvious tenderness. For example, a hand scratch may cause axillary lymph node swelling; a leg scratch may cause inguinal lymph node swelling.
   • Other manifestations: Besides lymph node swelling, some patients may exhibit fever, headache, fatigue, and loss of appetite. In rare cases, especially immunocompromised individuals may develop hepatosplenomegaly, neurological complications (such as meningitis, encephalitis), or eye diseases.
   • Treatment: Most cat scratch disease cases are self-limited and mild symptoms resolve on their own. However, if symptoms are severe or complications arise, doctors may prescribe antibiotics accordingly.
3. Rabies: the terrifying “ultimate threat”
   • Rabies is an acute infectious disease caused by rabies virus primarily transmitted by animal bites or scratches. Once symptoms appear, mortality approaches nearly 100%. The virus enters the human body via saliva and spreads along nerves to the central nervous system.
   • Transmission risk: Not all cats carry rabies virus. However, stray cats, unknown sourced cats, or cats showing abnormal behavior (such as sudden temperament change, unprovoked aggression, drooling) have a greatly increased risk of rabies.
   • Treatment principles: According to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, cat scratches exposed to rabies risk should receive timely rabies vaccination. Deep, long scratches or bleeding wounds may also require rabies immunoglobulin injection.
   • “10-day observation method”: This internationally recognized rabies risk assessment method states that if the offending animal is a domestic pet (especially dogs and cats) and remains healthy 10 days after the attack, the chance of rabies infection is very low. However, this does not mean vaccination can be skipped, especially when the animal’s condition is unknown or abnormal behavior is observed; timely medical consultation and vaccination are still recommended.

3. When to Seek Medical Attention: Don’t Let Minor Wounds Develop into Major Illness

Although many cat scratches can heal on their own with proper treatment, the following conditions require urgent medical attention:

• Deep, long wounds or uncontrolled bleeding: These may involve deep tissue damage needing professional care.
• Signs of infection at the wound: Such as redness, swelling, fever, worsening pain, pus discharge, or swollen lymph nodes.
• Systemic symptoms: Such as fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, fatigue.
• Wounds in special areas: Such as face, neck, joints, or hands, where infections spread easily or affect function.
• Patients with weakened immunity: Including diabetes, AIDS, long-term immunosuppressive therapy, etc., have higher infection risks.
• Scratches from unknown or stray cats: High risk of rabies, requiring immediate rabies vaccination.
• No tetanus vaccination within ten years or high-risk wounds: Need evaluation for tetanus toxoid or immunoglobulin injection.

Doctors will decide based on wound condition and patient health whether debridement, suturing, antibiotics, or related vaccinations are necessary.

4. Prevention First: The “Secret Manual” to Avoid Cat Scratches

The best treatment is always prevention. The following measures can greatly reduce the risk of cat scratches:

1. Civilized cat keeping:
   • Regular nail trimming: This is the most direct and effective method. Purchase pet-specific nail clippers and trim cats’ nails regularly to reduce the force and depth of scratches.
   • Moderate play: Avoid teasing cats directly with your hands, especially kittens who may treat hands as toys. Use tools like cat wands to keep a safe distance.
   • Understand cat behavior: Observe cat moods and avoid approaching or touching when they show discomfort, tension, or irritability (e.g., ears pinned back, tail thrashing, dilated pupils), giving them enough space.
   • Do not provoke stray cats: Avoid unnecessary contact or teasing with unfamiliar stray cats.
2. Vaccination:
   • Vaccinate pet cats: Regular rabies and routine vaccinations protect cats’ health and significantly reduce disease transmission risks.
   • Human vaccination: High-risk individuals (veterinarians, pet store staff, those frequently in contact with stray animals) may consider pre-exposure rabies vaccination.

5. Frequently Asked Questions

• Q1: If scratched by a cat but without broken skin, can I get infected?
  • A1: If the skin is intact with just redness, infection usually does not occur as the skin barrier is unbroken. However, if it’s difficult to tell if there are tiny breaks, it’s advisable to wash and disinfect with soapy water.
• Q2: What is the difference between scratches from kittens and adult cats?
  • A2: Although kittens’ claws look smaller, their nails may be sharper and more prone to accidental scratches during play. Adult cats’ scratches are generally stronger and wounds deeper. Infection risk depends more on wound depth, skin breakage, and pathogen presence rather than cat size.
• Q3: Can cat scratch disease be transmitted person-to-person?
  • A3: Cat scratch disease is mainly transmitted from cats to humans and usually does not spread directly between people.
• Q4: My cat is very clean and vaccinated; do I still need to worry about scratches?
  • A4: Even vaccinated house cats may carry bacteria on their claws. Vaccines primarily prevent rabies and specific diseases but can’t fully prevent all bacterial infections. Therefore, scratch wounds from house cats should also be washed and disinfected promptly. If deep wounds or infection signs appear, medical consultation is necessary.
• Q5: Can I squeeze the wound to bleed?
  • A5: Slightly squeezing to allow a small amount of blood to flow out can help wash away bacteria inside the wound. However, excessive pressure may damage tissues, worsen bleeding, or spread infection. The key is thorough washing.

Summary

Being scratched by a cat is no trivial matter. Every step from wound care to risk assessment requires care. Washing and disinfection are the two cornerstones of first aid, while vigilance over cat scratch disease, bacterial infection, tetanus, and rabies is the “armor” protecting your health. Remember, if the wound shows redness, swelling, heat, or pain, or if you have any doubts about risk, seek professional medical help immediately. After all, your body is the foundation of everything; the more you care, the less hidden dangers you have. May every "cat slave" enjoy the happiness of companionship with their cat and know how to protect themselves well.

References:

• World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on rabies.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) information on cat scratch disease.
• Chinese Medical Association Dermatology and Venereology branch related guidelines.
• Professional medical textbooks: "Clinical Infectious Diseases" etc.