What should I do if I get infected after being scratched by a cat?
Recently, the issue of infection caused by pet scratches has become one of the hot topics on social platforms. Many netizens shared their experiences in dealing with scratches by domestic or stray cats, and professional medical institutions also released relevant popular science content. This article will provide you with structured solutions based on hot discussions across the Internet in the past 10 days.
1. Emergency treatment steps after a cat scratch
| step | Operational points | scientific basis |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Clean the wound | Immediately rinse with running soapy water for 15 minutes | Can remove more than 80% of rabies virus |
| 2. Disinfection treatment | Use iodophor or 75% alcohol for disinfection | Effectively kills common bacteria |
| 3. Hemostatic bandage | Cover with clean gauze (deep wounds require pressure) | Prevent secondary infection |
| 4. Observe symptoms | Record the time, location and status of the cat when it was caught | Provide basis for subsequent diagnosis and treatment |
2. 5 danger signs that you must seek medical treatment
According to data from the emergency department of a tertiary hospital, the following symptoms require immediate medical attention:
| symptom | Possible type of infection | golden disposal time |
|---|---|---|
| Redness, swelling, heat and pain in the wound | bacterial infection | Within 24 hours |
| Radial red streaks appear | lymphangitis | Within 12 hours |
| Fever exceeds 38℃ | systemic infection | within 6 hours |
| joint stiffness and pain | cat scratch disease | Within 48 hours |
| Abnormal photophobia and hydrophobia | rabies exposure | Dispose immediately |
3. Decision-making guide for vaccination
The most controversial issue of rabies vaccination, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has given clear advice:
| exposure level | cat status | Disposal plan |
|---|---|---|
| Class I (contact with unbroken skin) | Domestic animals are immunized | No processing required |
| Grade II (slight skin rupture without bleeding) | Stray cats/unknown status | Get vaccinated now |
| Class III (bleeding or mucosal contact) | any situation | Vaccine + immune globulin |
4. 5 hotly discussed issues on the Internet
1.Is the "Ten-Day Observation Method" reliable?Authoritative veterinarians point out: This method is only suitable for domestic vaccinated cats, and the wounds need to be treated simultaneously.
2.Do I need a tetanus vaccine?Data shows that vaccination is required for deep wounds or injuries caused by rusty objects, but is not recommended for ordinary scratches.
3.Actual test of Internet celebrity disinfection products:A platform evaluation shows that traditional iodophors are more effective than new sprays.
4.Attention for special groups:The risk of infection for diabetic patients is three times that of ordinary people and they need to strengthen protection.
5.Insurance claims tips:Keeping complete medical records and proof of cat identification will increase your chances of a successful claim.
5. Innovative methods to prevent infection
1. Trim your cat’s nails regularly (make sure to keep a 2mm protective layer)
2. Use pet-specific disinfectant wipes containing silver ions
3. Prepare a pet first aid kit (including hemostatic powder, sterile dressings, etc.)
4. Carry out desensitization training: Cultivate the habit of claw retraction in cats from an early age
The latest clinical data shows that the infection rate of cat scratches with standardized treatment can be reduced to less than 0.3%. It is recommended to collect this article and share it with pet-raising families to protect the health and safety of you and your family at critical moments.
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