Cat scratch on my hand ? first aid?

[Cat561]

Hi,

My cat saw a dog yesterday and went ballistic, after the dog had gone she was very worked up so when I moved she jumped on her hind legs and scratched my hand and the top of my thigh. This morning the scratch on my hand is very very painful and a little swollen, stupid question but I've never had a scratch like this as its bruised and hurts to move my fingers around it, do I need to put anything other than savlon on it?

Thanks!

I’d get it checked out, just in case. Cat scratches can get infected.

Give it a good soak in warm salt water if you can, and keep it scrupulously clean - my mate needed surgery after her hand became infected after nasty scratches. Your hand looks a lot less damaged than hers, but cat claws are filthy, so infection is easily created.

I've got a few small scars from my own cat and accidental scratches over the years - they always seemed very minor injuries but scarred nevertheless.

Keep a close eye, right now I'd do anything else but soaking and savlon.

disinfect and keep an eye on it

I've had fairly bad cat scratches and I know how dangerous they can be but I'm still here and I've never been unwell. I just give it a good clean and move on.

Pop in to your local chemist and they'll be able to advise, my cat has given me a few nasty ones before and they can be quite painful for a few days.

Is your cat an outdoor cat? The risk of cat scratch disease is higher if they are

Clean it thoroughly I use hibiscrub on my cat scratches (touch wood) never had an infection

I had a cat scratch from giving my cat a pill recently. Phoned GP surgery for advice and the advice was it would be ok, just keep clean

I just got soapy water when it happens and just use germoline till it stops stinging.

There is very little padding on the back of the hand, so even a small injury can cause quite a lot of swelling and discomfort. Any bruising there can affect how your fingers move.

Keep an eye on it, keep it clean, and see how you get on. If the swelling gets much worse, if the skin changes colour, if you get pins and needles in the affected fingers, then go to Urgent Care. If you start feeling ill, go to A&E.

Cat scratches can introduce nasty germs, but that doesn't mean they are always a serious problem.

Ive had plenty of scratches from my cats always been fine. Keep it clean

Thanks all! Will wash it well and keep an eye :)