The cat is fully vaccinated. The cat is in generally good health. The cat spends most of its time indoors.

A shallow wound that involves the uppermost layer of skin but involves minimal bleeding can be considered superficial. A deeper scratch injury that pierces several layers of skin and bleeds moderately should be considered serious. [2] X Trustworthy Source University of Rochester Medical Center Leading academic medical center in the U. S. focused on clinical care and research Go to source

Do not scrub the wounded area during washing, as this could add further injury (bruising) to the injured tissues.

Triple antibiotic ointment can be applied to the wound three times daily. [8] X Research source Bacitracin is a good alternative for anyone who has an allergy to common triple antibiotic ointments. Oral antibiotics should not be necessary for a superficial scratch from a housecat. [9] X Research source Dire DJ. Cat bite wounds: risk factors for infection. Annals of Emergency Medicine, 20(9);1991:973-979.

Before seeking treatment from a medical professional, you may want begin treatment at home. Be sure to go to the doctor after taking the following steps to treat the wound.

If the wound is wide, bring the edges of the wound together so that there is no gap between them and apply a butterfly bandage, which should pinch the cut together. Apply several butterfly bandages as necessary to close the edges of the wound together, which will facilitate proper and quick healing. If you do not have adhesive bandages, you can cover the area with gauze dressing, keeping it in place with medical tape.

Increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth around the wound Presence of red streaks extending from the wound Drainage of pus from the wound Presence of a high fever

Some cats who have cat scratch disease can develop heart disease, ulceration in their mouths, or eye infections. [16] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source The first sign of cat scratch disease in humans is usually a small swelling at the region of the cat scratch or bite, followed by enlarged lymph glands in the armpits, groin, or neck. Next is a fever, fatigue, red eye, joint pain, and sore throat. [17] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Untreated cat scratch disease in humans can cause severe eye, brain, liver, or spleen damage. [18] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Immuno-compromised people are at higher risk of experiencing complications or even death from cat scratch fever. The diagnosis of cat scratch disease is usually by B henselae serology but can be diagnosed by culture, histopathology, or polymerase chain reaction. It is treated with antibiotics such as azithromycin, rifampin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin or bactrim. [19] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source

Ringworm is often accompanied by a severe itch. Ringworm can be treated with antifungal ointments such as miconazole or clotrimazole.

Infected humans can experience fever, body aches, and enlarged lymph nodes. Severe cases can cause damage to the brain, eyes, or lungs, and an infection can be particularly dangerous for pregnant women. Therefore, pregnant women should avoid tending to the litter box or cat feces during pregnancy. Treatment for toxoplasmosis involves taking an antiparasitic drug such as pyrimethamine. [22] X Research source

Fever Swelling of the head or neck Red, itchy, or scaly patches of skin Severe headaches, lightheadedness, or dizziness