Medical Question? Cat bite/scratch?

Question

I got in the middle of a cat fight and came off second best. I have some deep holes in my arm as a result and was wondering apart from antiseptic cream what should I do? There's no need for stitches or hospital as they aren't that bad but was thinking maybe a tetanus jab?

The cat lives in an old aviary with other cats so my concern is that her claws may not be 100% clean ie faeces, dirt etc

Thanks

Answer 1

   It's probably a good idea to get it evaluated and get updated on your tetanus if it has been over 5 years since your last.   If you get seen, you will probably also be placed on keflex antibiotics or whatever antibiotic that is appropriate to provide some infection control.   Don't wait too long to go to get seen.  Make sure you wash the area with soap and water or with an antiseptic soap too.    

Answer 2

You definitely need the tetanus jab. I got a cat scratch once, rescuing a cat, and it became infected. You can loose an arm that way.

Answer 3

Yes I would go and get a tetanus, better to be safe than sorry !

Answer 4

The major concern with cat scratches is due to the possibility that their feet arent 100% clean.  In fact, there are bacteria that populate areas exposed to cat urine and f***s and when introduced into a human can cause Toxoplasmosis.

I would do what you can to be sure that these injuries are clean and remain so.  If you begin to feel feverish, you ought to get to the doctor and explain what happened. Perhaps a course of antibiotics is in order.