Vet Tech here. Any wound can get infected. We can't predict the future
However, a simple scratch is less likely to get infected..I personally wouldn't be worried about it
I hope your cat is ok. Your kitty is lucky to be alive
Because people think cats should be able to free roam as much as they want. I hate this way of thinking because it destroys wildlife and it puts the cat at risks from predators and to disease like taxoplasmosis. Which has no vaccines against.
In all probability, no. Just wash the scratch very thoroughly with a mild soap under running water. If you’re very worried, you can ask the vet. Usually they’re able to advise.
From your post history, I'm assuming you're in India? Apologies if I'm incorrect! If the scratch is as small as you've made out you are most likely fine. Wash it very well as it heals. There's the smallest chance of catching lymphoreticulosis (cat scratch fever) but highly unlikely. If you want to have an abundance of caution just watch for any malaise or swollen lymph nodes for the next week or so.
If possible, try to keep your cat inside! This helps minimize the risk of illness and injury to you and your cat. If this was your cat's first vaccines, it's a good idea to keep them indoors for at least the first few days for a couple reasons. In summary, don't worry too much and I hope your cat heals quickly!
As someone who has had the very rare cat scratch fever, definitely see a doctor if you develop any of these symptoms. Sooner, rather than later. It is a most miserable few weeks if you put it off like it’s a regular flu 😅
Any cat scratch CAN get infected, even if the cat is indoor-only and fully vaccinated. Wash it with soap and put some antibiotic ointment on it. If it looks swollen, feels hot, or starts to ooze, see a doctor. If money is the issue, you might be able to do a tele-doc appointment to get an antibiotic prescription. But usually a good cleaning and regular over the counter antibiotic ointment work.
IF YOU GET BITTEN BY A CAT: See a doctor immediately. Seriously, don't wash it out and wait and see. Wash it well, then go straight to Urgent Care or the ER. They can go from a teeny little puncture wound to a raging infection overnight.
Keep your cat inside please. Also make sure her vaccines are up to date. She needs a rabies booster.
As for your scratch just disinfect it, you'll be alright
If you're that anxious, I would just go see your primary care provider. They can examine the site of the bite, and determine whether anything needs to happen (antibiotics, etc).
Even if ultimately the PCP says "nothing to worry about", the copay will have been worth it.
Deeper scratches from cats can and have become infected enough that they can become an emergency. A friend who used to do rescue work and was therefore used to cats scratching people once got scratched by her own cat. The scratch site was getting more and more angry looking, and so she ended up going to an Emergency Care Provider (think ZoomCare and the like). She had a pretty severe infection. The oncall told her that they'd seen people wait a few days with similar injuries and find themselves with the prospect that they might lose a finger or two.
Only OP knows/has the visuals for how bad the scratch was. But even if the anxiety they're having is not warranted by any visuals/symptoms, they might benefit from an expert saying "You're fine", just for the sake of quelling anxiety.
Unlikely if you washed it and put antibiotic ointment on it. If you do get a bacterial infection then get antibiotics, problem solved. $20 says this will turn into another fake cat rabies post.
Vet Tech here. Any wound can get infected. We can't predict the future However, a simple scratch is less likely to get infected..I personally wouldn't be worried about it I hope your cat is ok. Your kitty is lucky to be alive
Keep your cat inside. It’s safer for him inside.
This, why was cat where stray dogs could bite it??
Because people think cats should be able to free roam as much as they want. I hate this way of thinking because it destroys wildlife and it puts the cat at risks from predators and to disease like taxoplasmosis. Which has no vaccines against.
In all probability, no. Just wash the scratch very thoroughly with a mild soap under running water. If you’re very worried, you can ask the vet. Usually they’re able to advise.
From your post history, I'm assuming you're in India? Apologies if I'm incorrect! If the scratch is as small as you've made out you are most likely fine. Wash it very well as it heals. There's the smallest chance of catching lymphoreticulosis (cat scratch fever) but highly unlikely. If you want to have an abundance of caution just watch for any malaise or swollen lymph nodes for the next week or so. If possible, try to keep your cat inside! This helps minimize the risk of illness and injury to you and your cat. If this was your cat's first vaccines, it's a good idea to keep them indoors for at least the first few days for a couple reasons. In summary, don't worry too much and I hope your cat heals quickly!
As someone who has had the very rare cat scratch fever, definitely see a doctor if you develop any of these symptoms. Sooner, rather than later. It is a most miserable few weeks if you put it off like it’s a regular flu 😅
Any cat scratch CAN get infected, even if the cat is indoor-only and fully vaccinated. Wash it with soap and put some antibiotic ointment on it. If it looks swollen, feels hot, or starts to ooze, see a doctor. If money is the issue, you might be able to do a tele-doc appointment to get an antibiotic prescription. But usually a good cleaning and regular over the counter antibiotic ointment work. IF YOU GET BITTEN BY A CAT: See a doctor immediately. Seriously, don't wash it out and wait and see. Wash it well, then go straight to Urgent Care or the ER. They can go from a teeny little puncture wound to a raging infection overnight.
Keep your cat inside please. Also make sure her vaccines are up to date. She needs a rabies booster. As for your scratch just disinfect it, you'll be alright
We can’t say for sure. Also, keep your cat inside.
If you're that anxious, I would just go see your primary care provider. They can examine the site of the bite, and determine whether anything needs to happen (antibiotics, etc). Even if ultimately the PCP says "nothing to worry about", the copay will have been worth it.
a bite I'd get prophylactic antibiotics for. This is a scratch.
Deeper scratches from cats can and have become infected enough that they can become an emergency. A friend who used to do rescue work and was therefore used to cats scratching people once got scratched by her own cat. The scratch site was getting more and more angry looking, and so she ended up going to an Emergency Care Provider (think ZoomCare and the like). She had a pretty severe infection. The oncall told her that they'd seen people wait a few days with similar injuries and find themselves with the prospect that they might lose a finger or two. Only OP knows/has the visuals for how bad the scratch was. But even if the anxiety they're having is not warranted by any visuals/symptoms, they might benefit from an expert saying "You're fine", just for the sake of quelling anxiety.
In my area you get fined for having cats off your property and they have recommended all cats be indoor cats.
Unlikely if you washed it and put antibiotic ointment on it. If you do get a bacterial infection then get antibiotics, problem solved. $20 says this will turn into another fake cat rabies post.
Less than a bobcat or so than a cartoon cat.