Beware of cats

[2BigKIdz]

Apparently they have toxic claws! Sunday night my sweet "Bob" and I were napping on the love seat. He was wrapped around my arm, like a "bear hug". A loud noise startled him and in his zest to escape tore my hand up pretty good. He took 2 fairly large chunks out of my right index finger among other less serious scratches. It immediately started to swell and throb. 8 hours later when my husband got home from work it was swollen 2x it's normal size and was very red. He informs me it is infected. "No way", says I, infection does not set in that quick. Well I'm here to inform you that it does. Within 24 hours of the incident the redness was making a clear path towards my wrist. I work at a hospital, had the nursing administrator check it out and she sent me to the e.r. asap. My dear cat has cost me an emergency room visit, x-rays included to make sure he did not leave any claws in the wounds, a $56 prescription (did not have presc card with me) and a tetanus shot (it had been 7 yrs since my last so a booster was recommended- tetanus really is a nasty bacteria). I had no idea that something could become infected immediately. I'm thinking of cleaning his paws with antibacterial wipes several times a day. Poor kitty has a bad reputation now, and he really is the sweetest thing. People now "meow" at me, lol.

 

[LisaZoe]

This is the origin of the term "cat scratch fever". When you think about it, it's not surprising the claws get so bad even on indoor cats (think litter box ). I always wash any cat scratches that draw blood. So far, it seems to be working - and is a lot easier to do than try to get my cat let me look at, let alone clean, her claws.

 

[Hopetobee]

I have two indoor cats, declawed on front paws, but not on back.My one kitty is afraid of any kind of noise, and if he is on me, watch out, some of those scratches hurt. You 've made me think, I'd better wash those scratches as soon as possible, I wondered about the mess they sometimes have on them from the litter box.

I hope you get better soon, heal fast.

 

[2BigKIdz]

Originally posted by LisaZoe
This is the origin of the term "cat scratch fever". When you think about it, it's not surprising the claws get so bad even on indoor cats (think litter box ). I always wash any cat scratches that draw blood. So far, it seems to be working - and is a lot easier to do than try to get my cat let me look at, let alone clean, her claws.

That's the thing, I DID clean immediately. I washed with antibacterial soap, then hydrogen peroxide and then I put neosporin on all the cuts, all within 5 mins of the "attack". Just didn't keep the infection away.

I was really just joking about cleaning his paws, but it might not be a bad idea

 

[HisEllyNelly]

Ouch! I had that happen a few years back. Friend who was staying with exDH and I had a cat named Spaz (name fit) and she didnt like me. She got me good and within a day I had that tell tale red line working its way down my arm. Doctor said it was quite common and was surprised I didnt realise how bad they can be. I have always owned a cat and never had that problem till then.