Nowadays, more and more people are raising cats because cats are soft, cute, and love to cuddle and play with people. Thus, a new term "petting cats" has emerged, where people pet their cats anytime, bringing a lot of joy to their lives. However, cat owners know that although cats are gentle by nature, they also have moods. While playing with them, sometimes they get fluffed up, and occasional bites or scratches are unavoidable. At such times, never ignore it, because cats can also carry viruses. Today, the editor will teach you how to handle accidental cat scratches or bites, so get your little notebook ready!

First of all, there must be a reason if a cat bites or scratches you. If you accidentally step on it or hurt it, it will definitely bite or scratch you with its claws, just like a human’s instinctive reaction. Moreover, cats hold grudges and may show you a bad attitude. So, pay more attention when interacting with your kitty, and try to avoid such situations as much as possible.

But if you really get scratched or bitten by your kitty, first stay calm. Usually, cat bites require situation-specific handling, but the first step is always to treat the wound promptly. For a domestic cat, which is generally dewormed regularly and vaccinated, there’s no need to worry too much. If only the surface skin is scratched without bleeding and the wound is shallow, disinfect it with alcohol and iodine solution. Remember to wash your hands thoroughly before treating the wound. Clean the wound with mild soapy water for 20 to 30 seconds, then rinse with clean water. Not only the wound but also the surrounding skin should be cleaned carefully, avoiding very hot water. Finally, apply triple antibiotic ointment or antibacterial anti-inflammatory cream on the scratch or bite. Apply three times a day until it scabs over.

However, note that even if a domestic cat has been vaccinated, if it roams freely, it may come into contact with bacteria and viruses from outside. If the wound is bleeding deeply or shows signs of infection or itching, be alert. Cats can carry the rabies virus, so it is best to go to the hospital promptly for treatment and a rabies vaccine.

Secondly, if you are scratched or bitten by a stray cat and the wound is bleeding, you must take emergency measures. Stray cats can be exposed to many pathogens and have a high possibility of carrying rabies virus, and they may also carry cat scratch disease. Whether skin is broken or bleeding, rinse the wound with running water as much as possible to wash away viruses. Also, if bleeding occurs, do not stop the bleeding immediately; squeeze out the blood first, then disinfect repeatedly with iodine, saline, or alcohol. At the same time, immediately go to the epidemic prevention department to get vaccinated. The rabies virus incubation period is very unpredictable—anywhere from 10 days to one or two years. If the wound is severe, anti-rabies serum must be injected.

Alright, after reading this, are cat owners ready to remember these tips?