What to do if a baby gets scratched by a cat?
If your child gets bitten or scratched by a cat, make sure to wash the area thoroughly with soap and water. Contact your doctor for all cat bites as these are very high risk for a different type of infection. If you see any signs or symptoms of cat scratch disease after contact with a cat, always let your doctor know.
Can a cat scratch make a baby sick?
You may find it hard to believe that a small household pet like a cat can cause your child to become ill for a long period of time. A common bacterial infection called cat-scratch disease (CSD) can make your youngster sick for weeks or even months, all because, as the name suggests, a cat has bitten or scratched him.
Should I worry if a cat scratches you?
If a cat bite breaks your skin, you should seek medical attention if: you start having any serious symptoms of an infection, such as fever, chills, pus or fluid oozing from the wound, or swollen lymph nodes. the wound won’t stop bleeding. the wound appears to be deep or large.
Do cats scratch babies?
Don’t leave cat and baby together unattended; most scratches are due to a cat fending off an inquisitive grasping or crawling baby. The jerky movements of a small child can catch a cat unawares and though it only means to fend off an “attack”, cats’ sharp claws and babies’ fragile skin do not mix.
Are cats OK around babies?
Babies, children and cats should never be left together unsupervised. It is important an adult supervises at all times. The main health and safety risks to your child are: risks to their breathing.
Will my cat hurt my baby?
Even a gentle cat can upset or injure a baby by mistake. Teach your cat that only toys are appropriate for play. Get your cat used to baby sounds.
How long after a cat scratch does infection set in?
About three to 14 days after the skin is broken, a mild infection can occur at the site of the scratch or bite. The infected area may appear swollen and red with round, raised lesions and can have pus.
Can a cat scratch get infected?
What is cat-scratch disease? Cat-scratch disease is an infection you can get after a cat scratches, bites, or licks you. It is caused by bacteria in cat saliva. Cats likely get the bacteria from fleas.
Can cat hair hurt your baby?
5 days ago
Yes, it’s gross, but in most cases, it can’t really hurt anyone. Obviously, if your child is intentionally eating cat hair, they could ingest enough of it to cause a blockage in their GI tract (hello, hairball), but this won’t happen from the occasional cat-hair-on-the-baby-blanket kind of ingestion.
Are cats safe around newborns?
Risks to your baby’s breathing Never allow cats into any room where a baby or child is sleeping. A cat may settle to sleep near a baby’s face. This is very dangerous. It could interfere with your baby’s breathing.
What does an infected cat scratch look like?
The infected area may appear swollen and red with round, raised lesions and can have pus. A person with CSD may also have a fever, headache, poor appetite, and exhaustion. Later, the person’s lymph nodes near the original scratch or bite can become swollen, tender, or painful.
What to do if you get scratched by a cat?
Wash cat bites and scratches right away with soap and running water. Wash your hands with soap and running water after playing with your cat, especially if you live with young children or people with weakened immune systems.
Can a cat scratch be dangerous?
Cat Scratch Disease Is More Dangerous And Common Than You Realize, CDC Report Suggests. Thankfully, the disease is mostly preventable, and you don’t have to give up your kitty to be safe. According to the CDC, washing your hands after playing with a cat, keeping a cat indoors, and treating it for fleas can all help reduce your chances…
What is the treatment for cat scratch?
Vitamins A, D and E are also excellent in terms of cat scratch treatment. Topical vitamin A produces an inflammatory response, which is critical in getting wounds to heal. 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.
Is cat scratch dangerous?
According to Mahaney, one of the most serious risks associated with cat scratches is cat-scratch disease (CSD), also referred to as cat-scratch fever. “Cat-scratch disease is caused by a type of bacteria called Bartonella,” Mahaney describes.