Keep the wound area clean and watch it closely. You can crack open a gel caplet of each vitamin or buy them pre-prepared as ointments. What little free time she has goes into pinup modeling, advocating for self-acceptance, knitting and trying to maintain her haunted house (really!). Staphylococcus aureus is commonly found on the skin of humans and animals and is spread between humans and animals through touching, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Cat scratches and bites can cause cat scratch disease, a bacterial infection carried in cat saliva. It’s a natural antibiotic, an antiseptic in its own right and has mild anti-fungal properties and anti-inflammatory properties. Feb 22nd 2019. We’d love to hear about your cat scratch treatment ideas, too. Treat your injury with an over-the-counter topical antiseptic and cover it with a sterile dressing until the wound heals. Use a cotton ball to apply the gel to reduce introducing more germs to the injury. Cats get wounded quickly and often (usually through fighting, by getting caught in bushes or being attacked by other animals), particularly when out of sight or left outdoors. As it becomes less efficient, the initial inflammatory stages and the debridement stage can become compromised. Instead of hurting or stinging, the itch is a result of your body’s defenses, a mixture of histamine and other inflammatory substances trying to jump start the wound-healing process. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Your cat may scratch its neck wound as a natural response to reduce irritation. When it comes to cat scratch treatment, one of the big things to consider is the itching. With all due respect, as an ER doctor with 42 years experience, honey is NOT to be used on any wounds, cat or human, under ANY circumstances. Cats should wear an Elizabethan collar (e-collar) to stop them from scratching, biting, or licking their head and neck during the healing process. While it may be difficult to avoid petting unfamiliar cats (who can resist those sweet meows? People can contract the campylobacter infection by coming into contact with an infected cat’s poop or through contaminated water or food. Policy. If an unknown or feral cat scratches you, Levy recommends using the same first aid treatment, but also enlisting the help of animal control or your local health department. PLEASE HELP! Thank you for telling us that. This piece was originally published in 2014. Cover with a bandage. In response to the ER doctor who says “no” to honey. You can use a mild soap to clean the wound. If the wound is on your cat's paw of foot, swap out the kitty litter for newspaper, to avoid litter particles from irritating the wound or causing an infection. Do the clean the wound & topical antibiotics routine for best results – and keep it from getting infected. However, they can also bite or scratch if spooked or if they get defensive. Vitamins A, D and E are also excellent in terms of cat scratch treatment. The article was not clear enough on its use. The immune system changes as cats age. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Kittens under six months of age heal faster than other cats, and younger individuals experience faster-wound healing than elderly felines. It does not aid in healing, and can make the wound more prone to infection. Find out what to do. When it comes to cat scratch treatment, you’ll want to use real honey, not the sugar and corn syrup variety that’s sold cheaply. “This makes cleaning the wound easier for you and reduces infection risk.”. Then, wrap the wound in a sterile bandage. and has been used for years – but mostly for deeper harder to heal wounds, specifically ” Bed Sores” and similar wounds. Azithromycin (Zithromax) is used to decrease lymph node volume quickly… “See a doctor within eight hours to cut your infection risk,” says emergency medicine physician Stephen Sayles III, MD. This means cats are usually immune to the bacteria and don't display symptoms of … Their bodies require minimal ingredients and optimal nutrients to survive. CLEANSE A clean and cleansed wound is the first step to an optimal healing. Having been on a Hospice care team I learned Manuka had great healing powers when nothing else worked! Irrigating the wound will be effective if the cat bite results in a puncture wound instead of gapped wound. Your doctor will likely do the following: Remember, it’s important to act quickly if you get a cat bite. Cleaning the wound is essential in order to prevent the risk of infection and scarring. Apply pressure with a clean towel to the scratch to stop bleeding. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Most abrasions heal better in the open air, and your cat would just pull off a bandage anyway. Cats are loved and respected by many cultures across the world. How to Treat Cat Scratches or Bites Cat Scratch Treatment & First Aid. When your cat is injured, they can get agitated when touched. (it does stress not ordinary honey…) However Manuka Honey is totally 100% different! “Hands, joints and tendons are at greatest risk.”. However, scratching can remove sutures and cause bleeding. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. A bite, scratch or even the saliva of an infected cat can pass it along. I used an alcohol swab immediately. If you are looking for an alternative antiseptic, honey is a great solution. They can coil around you alluringly — but they also can scratch, and bite. It … First, you want to try to flush out as much bacteria as possible and then irrigate the wound with water. These adorable, fluffy creatures provide emotional support for their owners and can help improve moods in the form of animal therapy. If the site begins to look red or inflamed, or if pus develops in or around the wound, contact your vet immediately. Not only can cat scratches be painful, but the wounds from the scratch can bleed, swell, sting, get infected and sometimes even make us sick! When these cats bite or scratch you, the clock starts to tick. You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter. Owned by three cats and two dogs, she never met an animal she didn’t like. Coronavirus: Now scheduling COVID-19 vaccine appointments. Apply a generous amount of aloe vera gel to the wound. Videos you watch may be added to the TV's watch history and influence TV recommendations. Determine whether the wound needs stitches. What to do if a cat bites you First, you want to try to flush out as much bacteria as possible and then irrigate the wound with water. Infections can be severe, particularly for people with diabetes or those who are immunocompromised, and their infection risk is even greater. Caitlin Seida A spoonful of honey. That’s for a cat bite, not a cat scratch. Over-the-counter remedies, such as triple antibiotic ointment or vitamin A&D ointment, are also good for cat scratch treatment. Depending on the severity of the scratch and whether it was accompanied by a bite, the animal may need to be identified and quarantined or tested for signs of disease, such as rabies . Could the anti-B ointment be one of the topicals to avoid also? They can bite or scratch you when you touch the wound. This comes from cats infected with Bartonella henselae bacteria from flea bites, blood transfusions or fighting with other infected cats. All rights reserved. Healing is generally pretty fast, which makes sense, given that these wounds are pretty small and the edges are close together. Ointments include NEOSPORIN ® + Pain, Itch, Scar,* which provides 24-hour infection protection. My cat got me good across my upper chest where everybody can see it in a tee shirt. tomorrow my cat is going to be de-clawed (at FH's request) obviously my kitty realized this information, and fueld by, what i can assume must've been, a mixture of cat nip and crack...he managed to slash my FH's face in the middle of the nite while he was … I find that a mild solution of warm water and salt works just as well as anything and is non toxic also. Don’t let your cat lick you, especially around the mouth, nose, eyes, or open wounds. If a cat scratches or bites you, you need to act quickly to prevent infections. 5 Ideas for At-Home Cat Scratch Treatment 1. Apply aloe vera gel. Clean the Cat Scratch Out. Cats. How to Calculate Cat Years to Human Years, 5 Ideas for At-Home Cat Scratch Treatment. – Baking soda. “If you contract pasteurella bacteria after a cat bites or scratches you, initial signs of infection can appear in a few hours,” says Dr. Sayles. If you’ve been badly bitten or scratched by your cat, wash the wound carefully with soap and water. Clean the wound again and apply antibiotic ointment. At scratches can be menacing to treat. At-home cat scratch treatment can take the sting out of a cat scratch and help promote healing with minimal scar formation. Since vitamins have an effect on the body regardless of whether applied topically or taken orally, it’s a good idea to speak to your doctor before using this home remedy. But you can’t be a big baby about it. Stay informed! Cats are obligate carnivores (unlike scavenging carnivore dogs) – obligate meaning ‘by necessity’. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device. Topical vitamin A produces an inflammatory response, which is critical in getting wounds to heal. Cats can introduce staphylococcus aureus, campylobacteriosis or pasteurella bacteria into your body. It is important to have some information about the cat that has scratched you. Keep your cat inside and watch the wound for signs of healing. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Most cuts and scrapes … Prescribe antibiotics, such as Augmentin, if there’s an infection concern. Step 2: Treat the Wound with a Topical Antibiotic The next step to help wounds heal faster is to treat the cut or scrape with a first-aid antibiotic ointment because wounds that become infected take longer to heal. Tell us: Do you have any tried-and-true home remedies for cat scratch treatment? A cat’s body can heal itself. HOW TO HEAL A SCRATCH/CUT SUPER FAST!!!!! Typically used to remove the sting from mosquito bites, this stuff can also take the sting out of a mild cat scratch. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), If a Dog Bites You, Do These 7 Things Now, Top Treatments for Kids’ Bee Stings and Bug Bites, 4 Ways to Soothe a Burnt Tongue and Mouth, Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a Wound That Won’t Heal, How to Avoid Dangerous Infections After Your Heart Surgery, Blisters: Causes, Treatments – and Why You Should Never Pop Them, Exploring the Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar, How To Help Your Child Adjust To Going Back to School During the Pandemic. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. I would not recommend it for a scratch wound however. Soap and water work just fine. Your cat could be the most gentle, loving cat on the planet and there will still be that one time where you suffer from an accidental cat scratch during play or in the middle of the night when she takes off running like a banshee and uses you as a launching pad. Some cat scratches have an itch that just makes you want to go out of your mind. Now I see that wasn’t the best idea. Bite wounds can get infected easily, especially if they're caused by another cat. And if not properly taken care of, like any wound they can become infected and cause even more problems for you. You have to do proper first aid and care. Wash the wound with a large amount of water for 5 minutes. In this type of healing, epithelial regeneration predominates over fibrosis. Your email address will not be published. The bacteria are passed from an infected cat to a human after the cat licks an open wound or bites or scratches human skin hard enough to break the surface of the skin. Metabolic illnesses like diabetes can delay wound healing. This will help decrease your risk of contracting an infection. Look for ointments containing antibiotics such as Polymixin B and bacitracin. Fitness, health and wellness tips sent to you weekly. Identify the cat. Your email address will not be published. Antibiotics can treat people with serious cases of cat scratch fever or weakened immune systems. It’ll also keep the wound just moist enough to prevent scarring as it heals while still drawing water out of the wound to keep it dry enough to heal cleanly — that’s one of the ways it inhibits bacterial growth, by dehydrating bacteria. If you are physically active or if your scab is still fresh, cover it with a … This is what is meant by a cat scratching themselves raw. Mostly, cat scratches hurt, sometimes they sting and itch, and sometimes they just bleed. I’m just worried about not scarring.  |  You see, cats were made to live in the wild. This is typically used to ease the sting of mosquito bites, but also works similarly by taking the sting out of cat scratches. It can kill off the good cells and delay healing. Oral administration of the vitamins is also helpful in wound healing but may be overkill for a simple cat scratch. Keep the wound bandaged until you see your doctor. Photo by David Paul Morris/Getty Images “Watch for signs of infection, including redness, swelling, increased pain and fever.”, “Cat wounds most often are left open to heal,” says Dr. Sayles. Call your doctor as soon as possible to help cut the risk for infection. Got bit by a dog I know earlier and washed it as soon as I could but would have liked to use antibiotic ointment as well, its being a dog. my wedding is in 12 days....and FH has a big scratch on his face!! Avoid contact with fleas. Handling the wounds effectively depends upon the understanding cat wound healing stages and the capacity to tell these stages within an injury. Required fields are marked *, You may use these HTML tags and attributes:

. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. If you’re concerned about your cat scratch or it shows signs of infection (such as swelling, a ring of redness around the site, foul odor and discharge), please speak to your doctor or another qualified health care professional. Aloe vera is a plant belonging to the cactus family. Not to be rude but not everything is treated in an ER. This disease is called Cat Scratch Disease, or CSD. Honey is used by wound care centers all over the world as a solution for wounds far more serious than cat scratches, but even your most shallow cat scratch can benefit from slathering on some of this gooey gold. #1. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device. And without antibiotics. Cleveland Clinic © 1995-2021. If gunshot wounds, chainsaw injuries, and shark bites can heal, so can cat scratches. When a cat licks or scratches themselves too much, they can cause hair thinning, hair loss and even skin injury. Take preventive measures. Vitamin D acts similarly and helps promote healing of the wound, while vitamin E is a known antioxidant and soothes the wound, allowing it extra time to heal. Mild soap and water is the best method. Clean it. This will depend, above all on whether you have been scratched by a cat that is vaccinated and clean or an unvaccinated or unknown cat, of which we do not know anything, in this case you should go to your doctor or emergency, just as if It’s about a deep scratch. Try to avoid letting the gauze stick to the wound or it can irritate it. Know that point and heed your body’s signals. How to Teach Your Cat Appropriate Scratching Behaviors, How to Trim Cat Nails, and Why You Should. I didn’t know. All Rights Reserved. Cats are natural hosts for the bacteria. Honey has antibacterial and antiseptic … Wounds, even superficial ones like cat scratches, can be more complex than they seem. If it seems irritated or angry, don't … Cats aren’t the forgiving type so when your child mistakenly steps on your cat’s tail, your cat will obviously retaliate with a well-placed scratch. A cat scratch, though it is a mild wound, is annoying. Vitamin A produces an inflammatory response; Vitamin D helps promote healing of the wound; and Vitamin E is a known antioxidant and helps soothes the wound. Seeking professional attention, although preferable, requires precious travel time and money. Too late! If the cat scratch is from an unknown cat or one who spends his time outdoors, I would reach for the triple antibiotic ointment first after cleansing the wound and bypass the home remedies altogether — if you don’t know where a cat has been or what his claws have been into lately, triple antibiotic ointment offers a small bit of protection against possible infection as the wound heals. Cat paws are cute — but can inflict cat scratches. Photography ©Nynke van Holten | Getty Images. Depending on the severity, they may be the first line of cat scratch treatment. Depending on the situation, may be you can heal at home or may be you should go to the doctor. Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment over the surface of the scratch. Declawing is not recommended to prevent cat scratch disease. Avoid rough play with cats and situations in which scratches are likely. Research suggests a cat may get these bacteria from fleas. Always remember to wash your hands after touching or playing with a cat and after cleaning their litter box. Having none I used the omnipresent hand sanitizer that every desk or counter seems to have. You're signed out. A Jill-of-All-Trades, she splits her workday as a writer, humane society advocate and on-call vet tech. Is it true then, that keeping it moist and bandaged is the best way? Should you not drink alcohol after a deep dental cleaning? Honey is used by wound care centers all over the world as a … To help limit contact between you and a cat’s claws (and the resulting damage), try the following: Observe the cat's mood. Learn more about vaccine availability. This creates a temporary barrier between the scratch and dirt and germs, while killing any bacteria that could cause infection and slow the healing process. While at-home cat scratch treatment is great for tiny cuts and as a first line of defense against pain and infection, there’s a certain point where you should call in the pros. Tap to unmute. Use honey. Their razor-sharp teeth and nails can puncture deeply, sometimes penetrating tissues, ligaments and tendons. Cat wound healing stages Healing Scratches Naturally Download Article. “You may need intravenous, or through the vein, antibiotics or, in some cases, you may even need to be hospitalized.”. Promptly wash any cat scratches or bites with soap and water. If you’re super paranoid or the wound is deeper than just a superficial scratch, you can swab the wound with rubbing alcohol or another antiseptic like witch hazel. Get tips and exclusive deals. For proper and peaceful cohabiting, you need to treat the wound. When it is used excessively, it can cause damage to their skin and coat. Cat paws are cute — but can inflict cat scratches. Water, soap, maybe an old soft tooth brush, whatever it takes. Beware, though: Not all honey is created equal. Next, wash the wound with mild soap and water. While domestic indoor and outdoor cats are usually vaccinated against certain bacteria and infections, stray cats (and sometimes even your domestic cat) can certainly carry bacteria. © 2019 Belvoir Media Group. My husband is diabetic and has been treated at Wound Care Centers and they have used Medi-Honey on his wounds which did heal! If the wound won't stop bleeding with pressure, or there's a lot of blood, get your cat to the vet immediately. I don’t mind scratch scars, they show I love cats…kind of a red badge of courage…. Cat scratch disease, alternatively called cat scratch fever, is caused by the bite or scratch of a domestic cat that is carrying the B. henselae bacterium on its claws or teeth. Slow the bleeding with a clean cloth and apply over-the-counter antibiotic cream if you have it. I will have to argue with that. ), the CDC recommends being cautious with them, even if they seem friendly. You should never put alcohol or any other topical on a wound to clean it. Learn More. Aloe vera. What Is Cat Scratch Fever and How Do You Prevent It? Place the emphasis on contact time rather than how vigorously you scrub — try singing a round of “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” to give the soap and water the right amount of time to kill off the germs. Be aware that cats don’t often show signs of this infection, so it may be hard to tell just by looking at it. While most of us believe that they are fully domesticated now – they’re not. Photography ©Nynke van Holten | Getty... 2. After stopping the … The very first step in any sort of cat scratch treatment is to clean out the cat scratch in question. How to treat a cat scratch Even if you only receive a small scratch, it is vital you treat it immediately. That’s a fancy way of saying that there is usually minimal scarring in this type of healing. Play gently with your cat so they don’t scratch or bite you. Slow the bleeding with a clean cloth and apply over-the-counter antibiotic cream if you have it. dsflivetraining.com. You can prevent cat-scratch disease in the following ways: Wash your hands carefully after handling your cat. Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. Wash it thoroughly with antibacterial soap and warm water. An old home remedy to help with the cat scratch itch is baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate. People can also contract cat scratch fever, also called cat scratch disease (CSD). Policy. “After you see your doctor, change the bandage several times a day,” he says. Give you a booster shot if your tetanus vaccine is out-of-date. If the cat scratch is mild, here are some ideas for at-home cat scratch treatment that can reduce the chances of infection and scarring. Next, wash the wound with mild soap and water. Honey Is Good for Cat Scratch Treatment. It contains a substance that is rich in … Thumbnail: Photography ©EkaterinaZakharova | Thinkstock. After 3 to 4 days of healing, apply an antibiotic ointment to the wound and rub gently over the scab. Manuka has its place – but not on your basic cat scratches. The cat's tongue is very rough which is useful when they need to get rid of tough dirt. If you contract the campylobacter infection, symptoms may include stomach cramps, fever, nausea and diarrhea. Any significant such wound in a human is best treated with local supportive care (clean, bandage) and usually with an oral antibiotic such as Augmentin.