Cat scratch?

Not sure if this is the right forum. I was having to give my cat a pill today. I've tried crushing pills up in smelly wet food and other treats for her, but it never works. She won't touch the food if has a pill in it. The only way I can get it down her is to hold her in place, pop her jaw open, shove it in her mouth, and hold her mouth closed until I'm sure she's swallowed. Usually there isn't much fuss. But today she twisted in my arms when I was letting her up, and chambered up over my shoulder, giving me some scratches. Now, I've been scratched by my cats before, but I've never had quite so many, and they've never looked quite this bad. I'll post a pic of the worst one. They really aren't deep, and they aren't bleeding badly. Do you think I'll be fine if I just wash them with soap and warm water and put some triple antibiotic on them? And what do I need to keep an eye out for? She's my cat, fully vaccinated, indoor only.

freyaandzelda said:

Not sure if this is the right forum. I was having to give my cat a pill today. I've tried crushing pills up in smelly wet food and other treats for her, but it never works. She won't touch the food if has a pill in it. The only way I can get it down her is to hold her in place, pop her jaw open, shove it in her mouth, and hold her mouth closed until I'm sure she's swallowed. Usually there isn't much fuss. But today she twisted in my arms when I was letting her up, and chambered up over my shoulder, giving me some scratches. Now, I've been scratched by my cats before, but I've never had quite so many, and they've never looked quite this bad. I'll post a pic of the worst one. They really aren't deep, and they aren't bleeding badly. Do you think I'll be fine if I just wash them with soap and warm water and put some triple antibiotic on them? And what do I need to keep an eye out for? She's my cat, fully vaccinated, indoor only.

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Hello freyaandzelda, I can help you as I am a (human) physician, not a cat doctor, and I am (very) used to cat scratches  

You can assume that the claws are dirty so that there is always a risk of infection.  It would be a good thing if the scratches were bleeding as the bleeding would wash out the bacteria, but if the bleeding has stopped then Hydrogen Peroxide 3% (buy as 6% and dilute with tap water) will get deeply into cat scratches and react with the blood causing antiseptic bubbles of oxygen that will clean out the  wounds.  Hydrogen Peroxide 6% would probably do, but it has rarely  been known to cause a local burn so best use 3%.

Continue with the hydrogen peroxide daily until healed and cover the wounds if necessary using a fabric, not plastic dressing, but it is best if you can leave them exposed after the bleeding has stopped.  Antibiotics are indicated if the wounds become inflamed, but not otherwise as the unnecessary use of antibiotics can cause bacterial resistance to antibiotics.   It is little use putting ointment on the lesions, the ointment will come off and in any case, as I have described, you should avoid antibiotics.

You would know if the wound is inflamed as it will become reddened around the scratch, the skin around the scratch will become puffy and probably itchy rather than painful.  If this happens, or you are concerned, then you should consult your general practitioner.

Cheers,

Geoffrey

That picture was right after I got scratched. There's still some redness right around the scratches but it's not all spread out.

freyaandzelda said:

That picture was right after I got scratched. There's still some redness right around the scratches but it's not all spread out.

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PPS  As the photo was taken straight after being scratched, the redness is probably not inflammation but a skin reaction to three scratches.  You can safely just watch, but if you have any doubt go and see your General Practitioner.

Best wishes,

Geoffrey

I don't know if anyone will see this as it's a few months old, but I also have a scratch issue. I was scratched by a cat 10 days ago. It was at my mother's, a stray she was feeding. She has just gotten it to where it would let her pet it. We'll, as she was petting it, I thought I'd pet too. It didn't like that and scratched the fire outta me! The first picture is the day of with medication and the other is 10 days post scratch. What are your thoughts.

I think it's okay. Just keep putting medicine on it and keep it clean. If you're truly concerned, then you could go to the doc in a box place or your family doctor and be checked out.

I am a human doctor, not a vet.  The incidence of cat scratch fever is low from adult cats and the wounds seem to be settling.

As long as you are feeling well, then I would think that you should be alright.  The first sign of CSF is usually an enlargement of lymph glands, and in your case the enlargement would be in your armpit, about three weeks after the scratch. 

However, diagnosing from a photo is notoriously difficult.   If you have any concern, you should go and see your doctor.

With all best wishes,

Geoffrey

Thank you both for your replies. I am more curious about the redness that surrounds the actual scratch. The redness is not as raised as before, so I'm guessing that it is finally healing. I'll give it another week. Thanks again!

Some redness from a wound is natural. After very minor skin surgery, I got apprehensive about the redness around the wound, but the nurse told me that was normal and part of the healing. As long as there is no pus or further swelling, you don't have anything to worry about.