I got a cat scratch today, a few hours later it began to swell have a lot of pain and turn red and idea why?

Question

I work at a cat shelter and got scratched/ bit not sure it happened fast. She is a stray untamed and unpredictable. Any way at first is was a regular cat scratch wound and I cleaned it and went on with the day. A few hours later its started to swell and hurt really bad. Its right on my first knuckle right hand so I could barley write. anyway this has never happened before, any similar experiences or do you know what it is or could be? Thanks for any help I'm going to the doctor tomorrow if there is no improvement.

Answer 1

Cats can carry a LOT of diseases in their claws. Some people are also have allergic reactions to cat scratches; they tend to notice swelling and whiteness around the scratch. You should be fine if you go to the doctor. They will most likely test for rabies, tetnus and cat scratch fever.

Answer 2

allergic

could be infected with cat fever.

Take your temp every hr and if you have  fever call the DR tomorrow.

Answer 3

Sounds infected, or the cat could have had a disease such as aids for cats, my friend runs a cat shelter in his house and ive seen some sick cats that could kill you if they bit you and they looked fine to me. I would definetly get some powerful alcohol or ointment and go to the doctor asap.

Answer 4

people can get Cat Scratch Fever from cat scratches I would check with your Dr. and also get tetanus shots updated.   good luck, when the little critters run about especially outside their claws can pick up some pretty dirty stuff

Answer 5

Cat scratches/bits can be dangerous because they can go deep and  heal up near the surface while festering underneath.  Your doctor should be able to tell you more.