My cat scratches me. Should I worry about diseases? How to prevent?

Cat scratches can transmit many infections, the most serious being 'cat scratch disease' from the bartonella bacteria. You should speak to your doctor/physician about your own wounds and although this scratch appears to be minor you should bathe it thoroughly with antiseptic and monitor for any redness, fever, swelling or leg pain

If the wound on your knee is from a bite, then I would recommend seeking medical attention if it broke the skin into deeper tissues. Cat bites are notorious for getting severely infected even with proper treatment immediatey after the bite, so I would recommend contacting your doctor about antibiotics. If the puncture wound was a scratch, it can still get infected, but they are much less likely to be severe. Cat Scratch disease does exist, but is not common in people with a normal immune system. https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1581 Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using PetCoach.

No - cat scratch disease is a bacterial infection and rabies is a viral infection spread primarily from by bites from an infected animal and is quite rare from cats. You must contact your human doctor/physician for your own healthcare advice - your local doctor should be aware of the potential risks in your area and what, if any treatment is recommended.

Cat Scratch Fever actually comes from fleas, but yes humans can get it. If you have any concerns about your health, I strongly recommend talking to your doctor. Here is some general information from the CDC that you may find helpful: https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/diseases/cat-scratch.html As far as lyme disease, humans can get that as well, but not from cats - it would have to come directly from a tick. I'd recommend getting Nathaniel on a safe flea/tick preventative (such as Revolution or a Serestro collar) since you now have evidence that there are ticks in your area.

Hello. I am so sorry for Minkah's run-in with the other cat. You are right on target watching for any redness, swelling or discharge from the scratches that might indicate some infection. You might just lightly dab the scratches with a little peroxide just to keep things clean. It is very unlikely that you have to worry about anything significant, especially rabies, since this was just a scratch & the other cat is primarily an indoor cat. So, if the scratches begin to look worrisome, or Minkah acts painful or uncomfortable ( which is pretty unlikely ), do contact your veterinarian for further treatment. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I would probably avoid continued contact if she does not appear to respond to your commands. The reason is that cat scratches can be quite dangerous to a child not just because of the physical trauma but because of the possible infections that can be transmitted that are usually more marked in children. Good luck and have a good night!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Anyone who is bit by a cat should be evaluated by a physician. A cat's mouth is usually full of bacteria that can result in severe infections and cellulitis in humans that get bit. You should check with a local physician as soon as possible. You are welcome to check with a physician (as I am a veterinarian) for any more specific information. Good luck! Sorry that this happened to you! I have been through this many times and I have gone to the hospital to be looked at every time and everything has turned out ok after.