How to Deal with a Cat Scratched

Cats are mischievous, unpredictable, sometimes aggressive animals. If you are in contact with cats, you may occasionally be scratched by cats. Cats have sharp claws for self-defense, which can sometimes cause quite deep scratches. Proper care of your cat’s scratch will help you avoid complications from the wound.

Table of Contents

Evaluation of cat scratch wounds

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/8/8a/Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-1-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Deal- With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-1-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/8/8a/Deal-With-a-Cat- Scratch-Step-1-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-1-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,” bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Cat identification. It is important to have information about the cat that just scratched you. If it is your pet cat or your best friend’s cat, it can be considered a “domestic cat”. You can treat the wound yourself if it’s not too severe, and know exactly what the cat is about: ^{[1] X Trusted Source University of Rochester Medical Center Go to source}

Cats are fully vaccinated.
Cats are in good health.
Cats are mostly indoors.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/8/86/Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-2-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Deal- With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-2-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/8/86/Deal-With-a-Cat- Scratch-Step-2-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-2-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,” bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Seek medical attention if you are unaware of the cat that scratched you. Strange cats may not be vaccinated, so you may need preventive treatment for bacterial infection, tetanus, or rabies. Especially when a scratch is accompanied by a bite (there is an 80% chance of infection), you need to see a doctor for medical attention.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/e/e3/Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-3-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Deal- With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-3-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/e/e3/Deal-With-a-Cat- Scratch-Step-3-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-3-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,” bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Assess the wound. The appropriate treatment depends on the severity of the wound. Any cat scratch can be painful, but the depth of the wound will dictate how serious it is.

A superficial wound that occurs in the outermost layer of the skin and is slightly bleeding can be considered a skin wound.
Deeper wounds that penetrate more than one layer of skin and bleed heavily can be considered serious. ^{[2] X Trusted Source University of Rochester Medical Center Go to Source}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/d/d1/Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-4-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Deal- With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-4-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/d1/Deal-With-a-Cat- Scratch-Step-4-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-4-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,” bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Decide on appropriate treatment. Skin wounds caused by domestic cats can be treated at home. However, an unfamiliar cat scratch or a severe (deep) scratch from a domestic cat should be evaluated by a medical professional.

Treating skin wounds

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/5/5c/Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-5-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Deal- With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-5-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/5/5c/Deal-With-a-Cat- Scratch-Step-5-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-5-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,” bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Hand washing. Before handling a cat scratched area, make sure your hands are clean and sterile. Use soap and warm (or moderately hot) water to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. Be sure to wash both between your fingers and under your fingernails. Then drain the water thoroughly. ^{[3] X Trusted Source Centers for Disease Contrp and Prevention Go to source}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/1/18/Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-6-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Deal- With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-6-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/1/18/Deal-With-a-Cat- Scratch-Step-6-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-6-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,” bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Sponge. Use tap water to wash your cat’s scratch and the surrounding skin. ^{[4] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source} Avoid using water that is too hot as it can cause more bleeding.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/5/59/Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-7.jpg/v4-728px-Deal-With-a- Cat-Scratch-Step-7.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/5/59/Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-7.jpg/ v4-728px-Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-7.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Wash the area scratched by the cat. Use soap to wash the affected area thoroughly. Try to wash both the wound and the surrounding skin (for example, if a cat scratched your arm, you should wash the whole arm instead of just washing the scratch alone). After washing with soap, rinse thoroughly with clean water. ^{[5] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

Do not rub the scratched skin, as this may cause further damage (bruising) to the tissues.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/a/a5/Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-8.jpg/v4-728px-Deal-With-a- Cat-Scratch-Step-8.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/a/a5/Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-8.jpg/ v4-728px-Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-8.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Apply ointment to the scratch. You need to treat the cat scratch with an antiseptic ointment. ^{[6] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source} Synthetic antibiotic ointments such as Neosporin can be used; These ointments contain neomycin, an antibiotic that helps heal cuts very well. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

A synthetic antibiotic ointment can be applied to the wound three times a day. ^{[8] X Research Sources}
Bacitracin is a good choice for people who are allergic to common synthetic antibiotic ointments.
There is no need to take antibiotics if the wound is external to the skin caused by a domestic cat scratch. ^{[9] X Research Source Dire DJ. Cat bite wounds: risk factors for infection. Annals of Emergency Medicine, 20(9);1991:973-979.}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/d/dd/Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-9.jpg/v4-728px-Deal-With-a- Cat-Scratch-Step-9.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/dd/Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-9.jpg/ v4-728px-Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-9.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Do not cover the wound. Home treatment should only be used for skin wounds caused by domestic cats, so this wound does not need to be covered with a bandage. Keep the wound clean during the healing period, but expose the wound to fresh air.

Deep wound treatment

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/b/b3/Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-10.jpg/v4-728px-Deal-With-a- Cat-Scratch-Step-10.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/b/b3/Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-10.jpg/ v4-728px-Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-10.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Medical treatment. Deeper wounds may bleed profusely and require antibiotics to prevent infection, even if the cat is fully vaccinated. ^{[10] X Trusted Source University of Rochester Medical Center Go to Source} Usually you will be prescribed Augment 875/125 mg taken twice daily for 7 to 10 days.

Before getting medical care, you may need first aid at home.
You should definitely go to the doctor after taking the following steps to treat the wound.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/1/12/Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-11.jpg/v4-728px-Deal-With-a- Cat-Scratch-Step-11.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/1/12/Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-11.jpg/ v4-728px-Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-11.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Stop bleeding. If the wound is bleeding heavily, apply pressure to the wound with a clean towel. Apply pressure to the bleeding site and hold until the bleeding stops. You may also need to keep the wound higher than your head. ^{[11] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/2/29/Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-12.jpg/v4-728px-Deal-With-a- Cat-Scratch-Step-12.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/2/29/Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-12.jpg/ v4-728px-Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-12.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Wash the injured skin. After washing your hands thoroughly, gently wash the affected area with soap and rinse with clean water. ^{[12] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source} Do not rub when washing as the wound may bleed again.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/8/8c/Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-13.jpg/v4-728px-Deal-With-a- Cat-Scratch-Step-13.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/8/8c/Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-13.jpg/ v4-728px-Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-13.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Blot the wound dry. Use another clean towel to completely dry the wound and surrounding skin.

Assess the risk of cat scratch

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/3/3c/Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-15.jpg/v4-728px-Deal-With-a- Cat-Scratch-Step-15.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/3/3c/Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-15.jpg/ v4-728px-Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-15.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Avoid infection. Some cat scratch wounds and most cat bite wounds can cause inflammation. Cleaning the wound and applying an antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin or Bacitracin can greatly reduce the risk of infection. Infected wounds also require antibiotics. Signs of infection include: ^{[14] X Research Source}

Severe pain, swelling, redness, or heat around the wound
Red streaks appear from the wound
Fluid oozing from the wound
High fever

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/6/65/Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-16.jpg/v4-728px-Deal-With-a- Cat-Scratch-Step-16.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/6/65/Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-16.jpg/ v4-728px-Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-16.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Prevention of cat scratch disease. Cat scratch disease, the most common disease transmitted by cats, is caused by the bacteria Bartonella henselae. Cats act as a source of infection, especially kittens and cats with fleas. About 40% of cats carry the bacteria at some point, but show no signs of illness. ^{[15] X Trusted Source Centers for Disease Contrp and Prevention Go to source}

Some cats with cat scratch disease may develop heart disease, ulcers in the mouth, or eye infections. ^{[16] X Trusted Source Centers for Disease Contrp and Prevention Go to source}
The first sign of cat scratch disease in humans is usually a small bump in the area where the cat scratched or bitten, accompanied by swollen lymph nodes in the armpit, groin, or neck. Followed by fever, fatigue, red eyes, joint pain and sore throat. ^{[17] X Trusted Source Centers for Disease Contrp and Prevention Go to source}
Cat scratch disease in humans can cause serious eye, brain, liver or spleen damage. ^{[18] X Trusted Source Centers for Disease Contrp and Prevention Go to source}
People who lack resistance are at high risk of complications or even death from cat scratch fever.
The diagnostic method for cat scratch disease is usually B henselae serology, but it can also be diagnosed by bacterial culture, histopathology, or chain reaction. The disease is treated with antibiotics such as azithromycin, rifampin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin or bactrim. ^{[19] X Trusted Source Centers for Disease Contrp and Prevention Go to source}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/d/de/Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-17.jpg/v4-728px-Deal-With-a- Cat-Scratch-Step-17.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/de/Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-17.jpg/ v4-728px-Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-17.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Determine if you have ringworm (ringworm). Ringworm is a fungal infection characterized by round, bulging, and crusted patches of skin. ^{[20] X Research Sources}

Skin fungus often causes itching.
Tinea capitis can be treated with an antifungal ointment such as miconazpe or clotrimazpe.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/d/d5/Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-18.jpg/v4-728px-Deal-With-a- Cat-Scratch-Step-18.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/d5/Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-18.jpg/ v4-728px-Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-18.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Assessment of the risk of toxoplasmosis infection. Toxoplasmosis is a parasite in cats and is spread through cat feces. You can get the toxoplasmosis parasite, toxoplasma gondii, through a cat scratch, especially if your cat’s claws are covered with feces. ^{[21] X Research Source}

People infected with parasites may present with fever, body aches, and swollen lymph nodes. Severe cases can damage the brain, eyes, lungs, and are especially dangerous for pregnant women. Therefore, pregnant women should avoid contact with cat litter trays or cat feces during pregnancy.
Treat toxoplasmosis with antiparasitic drugs such as pyrimethamine. ^{[22] X Research Source}

Prevent Cat Scratching

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/e/e5/Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-20.jpg/v4-728px-Deal-With-a- Cat-Scratch-Step-20.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/e/e5/Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-20.jpg/ v4-728px-Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-20.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Do not punish cats for scratching people. Scratching is a normal self-defence behavior for cats, so punishing your cat for scratching can make her more aggressive later on.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/f/ff/Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-21.jpg/v4-728px-Deal-With-a- Cat-Scratch-Step-21.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/f/ff/Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-21.jpg/ v4-728px-Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-21.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Cut the cat’s nails. You can trim your cat’s nails with a regular nail clipper. Clipping your cat’s nails once a week can limit damage from cat scratching. ^{[23] X Research Sources}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/6/62/Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-22.jpg/v4-728px-Deal-With-a- Cat-Scratch-Step-22.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/6/62/Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-22.jpg/ v4-728px-Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-22.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Avoid rough play. Do not play violently with adult cats and kittens. This type of play can encourage them to scratch and bite you and others.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/e/e1/Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-23.jpg/v4-728px-Deal-With-a- Cat-Scratch-Step-23.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/e/e1/Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-23.jpg/ v4-728px-Deal-With-a-Cat-Scratch-Step-23.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Breeding an adult cat. Most cats get rid of the bad habit of biting and scratching by the time they reach adulthood, 1 to 2 years. If the body is sensitive to cat scratches or lacks resistance, you should consider adopting an adult cat instead of a kitten. ^{[24] X Trusted Source Centers for Disease Contrp and Prevention Go to source}

Advice

Flea treatment for cats. This won’t change your cat’s scratching behavior, but it can reduce the risk of complications like cat scratch fever. Consult with your veterinarian about the best method of keeping your cat flea-free.
Note cutting or sharpening the cat’s nails.

Warning

Always seek medical attention if you have been scratched by an unfamiliar cat, have a deep wound, or have a weak immune system.
Avoid contact with feral or stray cats if possible.

Steps