What's the limit to playful biting/scratching?

Ok, so I've been feeding this stray male cat, and he's grown rather attached to me. I think he might've been a stray, because in the course of 2 weeks he's grown very trusting of me, to the point where I can pick him up, rub his belly, etc.

My problem is that sometimes he'll grab my hand and bite. There's no ill intent in it as far as I can tell - I did my research and know how if it isn't with their teeth it's just a sign of affection. He tries to "taste" all my fingers too. I didn't really have a problem with it before, until this one time where he held onto my hand with his paws, and one of my fingers got nicked by his claws. Again, it wasn't intentional as far as I could tell, and it's a tiny tear. I've washed it with antibacterial soap and bandaged it up.

Now, since I don't know this cat's history, realistically what are the chances of this becoming serious for me? I tried to do some research, and now I'm totally freaked out that I might get cat scratch disease, or my finger might fall off or something. I've never really fed strays before, so all of this is a bit new to me. The only strange thing about this cat is that his right eye is sometimes cloudy, and sometimes completely red, with a little leaking.

My own cat bite me in the arm one morning above the wrist and I think she hit the bone, about 5 or 6 hours after she bit it I couldn't make a fist or bend my wrist or seperate my fingers,and it swelled like you can't beleive.

By the next day it was still swollen and all so I decided to go to urgant care and have it looked at, they gave me a pain shot pain pills and antibotics and ask if I had a tetnus shot recent and I said yes about 4 yrs ago, in a few days it was back to normal.

You may think about it if it does any of those things, but mine did not bleed at all I think that's why it swelld so bad, something about when it bleeds it kinda washes it out,,,,take care though, cat bites can be bad

Unlike what halfpint said, you mentioned that this was only a tiny scratch. I doubt that anything bad will happen to your finger, seeing as the cut was so small. If you do notice anything (swelling, stiffness, a lot of pain from the cut) then it is time to go and ask your doctor. But if it puts you at ease, I really think nothing will happen. And, of course, don't be scared about feeding strays, its a good thing that your doing, helping that little guy out. Hope that helps!
Laurel

Having been scratched by many a stray, I feel it is safe to say you will be fine. If you notice redness, swelling, heat, or pus coming out of the scratch then see a doctor immediately. I do not allow my cats to play bite or scratch me in any manner, and when a cat rolls on his belly it is not always an invitation to rub a belly but could be preparing for war. On their back their weapons are at the ready- claws and teeth. Sounds to me like you are petting your cat to long. I would stop petting him for awhile anyway, and if you do pet him, make it only one or two strokes, not a lot of minutes worth. You are more than likely over-stimulating him

My cat elliot does the same thing he doesnt like his tummy touched and doesnt let you rub it. Whenever he rolls on his back and exposes his belly to you, its because he wants to play and kick I usually find a stuffed animal and play with him with it then. Aerowyn on the other hand will let me pet her belly cuz she likes it, but she might start to play too it might just depend on the cat. Are you thinking of taking this cat in as your own? I would reccomend getting him to a vet then, because the eye sounds worrysome. If not, and you think "well Ill just take him to a shelter" most likely he will be put down unless it is a no kill shelter. An exam and walk in should only cost about 30 dollars, but any other treatment might cost more.

Ok, so I've been feeding this stray male cat, and he's grown rather attached to me. I think he might've been a stray, because in the course of 2 weeks he's grown very trusting of me, to the point where I can pick him up, rub his belly, etc.

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I would also suggest you take this cat to the vet to he can be neutered if he isn't already.

Katie

Thanks for the replies everyone. Hissy, I never really looked at it that way - I'll have to remember that the next time he starts twisting and turning on his back! He used to bet pretty weak and scrawny, but since I've been feeding him regularly, he's gotten stronger and more, errr, domesticated I guess.

My finger seems to be all right - I freaked out when I woke up this morning and had trouble bending it - but then I realized it was the bandage, silly me.

I'd love to adopt this cat, but my folks are vehemently anti-cat, so the most I can do is feed it. I even picked up a bed, but it seems to like lying under the car more. I'll try to take it to the vet, but I hope cat carriers aren't too expensive.

Thanks again! It's nice to see so many helpful people here!

outlaw97...if you can't bring him inside...then you should definately have him neutered so he won't create any unwanted litters. Ask the vet if they have any plans to help with neutering a stray cat. Sometimes vets will perform a neuter as a community service...it just depends on the vet.

Katie