Cat Scratch or Bite

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Signs/Symptoms

Care

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

• If you have stitches, keep them clean and dry for several days. Then you can clean the wound. Make an appointment with your doctor to have your stitches taken out.
• Keep the area of the scratch or bite clean. Wash the wound with soap and water 3 to 4 times a day.
• If you have a bandage, keep it clean and dry. Change it whenever it gets dirty. To loosen the bandage if it sticks to the wound, put a little water on it, then gently pull it off the wound.
• Try to raise the site of the bite or scratch above the level of your heart to keep the swelling down.
• If you have been given a tetanus shot, your arm may get swollen, red, and warm to the touch at the shot site. This is a normal reaction to the medicine.
• If you are taking antibiotics, continue to take them until they are all gone, even if you feel well. If you feel they are not helping, call your doctor. Do not quit taking them on your own.
• Find out who owns the cat and ask whether the animal has had its shots. Your doctor may need to send a report to the animal control officer, and the cat may have to be checked for disease.

Call Your Doctor If...

• You have signs of infection (redness, red streaking or pus coming from the wound, or warmth or swelling around the area of the scratch).
• You have a high temperature.
• You are tired or dizzy, have a headache or a cough, or just don't feel well.
• You get tender lumps in your groin or under your arm.

Seek Care Immediately If...

• You get numbness or tender lumps at the site of the scratch.
• You have trouble talking, walking, or breathing.
• You get tingling near the scratch area, have trouble swallowing, and develop stiffness in your jaw and neck.