Question
Ok before you tell me the same thing my hubby did ( U R Not supposed to give cats a bath!!) I really had to this time, he had evidentally been dashed with coffee..he came in this morning reaking of it. So i gave him a bath..well he did NOT like this and freaked out on me and dug one of his claws deep into my arm..the inside of it into a vein. It looks as if I have just got a TB Skin test. The skin is blue under it, it is all puffed up and it bled a little. I quickly put peroxide, alcohol & Iodine on it. Now I don't know if it is my nerves or what but I am beginning to feel a bit weird (no comments please..lol) this place is stinging and the pain is running up toward my wrist.
What should I do? My cat does not have rabies..not to my knowledge anyways. I took a pair of toe nail clippers and clipped his claws back a bit so he couldn't do that again.
I have no family doctor to call for advice.
Oh well...my chest is tight but again I think it may be my nerves. Anyone got any advice for me?
Thanks,
Deanna
Good things come to those who wait...impatience only prolongs the glory.
Answer
Suppose either no one knows about cat scratches here huh?
I suppose I just get too anxious sometimes and expect to get a reply right away...lol I suppose ppl must think I am just a crazy blond hick and make no sense cause antmore when i post..no one replies
Oh Well,
Have a nice Summer..mine I'm sure will be spent in a phychiatric ward.lol
Good things come to those who wait...but sometimes waiting forever still dosent make it come any quicker!
Answer
Been extremely tied up at work.
You must watch this area for infection closely.
Signs of infection are:
1) Red streaking running UP the area from the site. It will track the vein's course.
2) The area will carry heat. This means it will feel hotter to the touch than the surrounding area.
3) You may run a fever or a very subnormal temp.
4)Drainage is not a good thing.
5) There is also a complication called cat scrath fever and is more of a concern if your cat goes aoutside.
Any of these signs are a medical emergency. Go to the Dr. or an Emergency room right away!
Keeping you safe, healthy and on the road.
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Answer
for the reply
My arm is very sore but there are no red streaks, no drainage nor any other indication that it may be infected. I am aware of the symptoms of Cat Scratch Fever, my younger brother had it when we were younger. I'm not having any of those symptoms
I guess I should just take a hint when he wants to get out I'll let him go next time LOL
Thanks again,
Deanna
Good things come to those who wait...impatience only prolongs the glory.
Answer
I'm grinning cause I've been through this more times than I could tell you......LOL. And my arms and hands can bear witness to this......heh heh.
I have cats and have also taken care of cats for years now.........some of them outside "wild" cats who would choose my place to come and have their litters. I've taken in more strays than I can even remember.......always found them homes.
Since this is your cat, I would strongly urge you to take the cat to a clinic to make sure that it gets a rabies & distemper shot.........especially since the cat goes outside. If you go to the humane society or a clinic, the cost will be minimal.
As for the scratches, just be extra careful to keep them clean......soap & water, peroxide and antibiotic ointment should work just fine.... normally. You already know what to look for. In all these years though, I've only had to go to the doc once because I was bitten.......while at the vet with one of my cats. He had an abcess and was only reacting to pain, so I couldn't be mad at him........LOL! BUT, it hurt like h-e-l-l!!! So I had to go the antibiotic route.
As far as bathing cats, there's absolutely nothing wrong with it occasionally. You just have to know how to hold them and since you have one that fights it.........been there before.....wear rubber gloves. Hold them by the scruff of the neck.........like a mama cat does.......doesn't hurt them........and make it as quick as possible. You can also purchase a muzzle if need be. Just make sure that you do it during the heat of the day so that they can thoroughly dry. Even better if they will let you use the hair dryer on low.......but some won't.
Good Luck!
Ms. Mary
aka "Grammy" to Katelyn Elizabeth Lepard as of 2/21/02
Answer
My dog loves the hair dryer after a bath. But the weirdo also lets me vacuum him after brushing LOL. He's a very STRANGE dog.
Keeping you safe, healthy and on the road.
Visit us at Visit us at
Answer
You can get them usually at Wal-mart... they come 7-10 in a pack and are like baby wipes, but they are for bathing your cat.
They handle those alot better, they clean them really good, and they smell lovely afterwards!
When Dust Bunnies Attack!
~* TAMIA *~
Answer
Hmmmm, guess I'll have to go looking for these and try them. That's the first that I've heard of these........LOL. I'll check out Walmart.
Ms. Mary
aka "Grammy" to Katelyn Elizabeth Lepard as of 2/21/02