When do you worry about cat scratches?

[POPholditdown]

I had to pick my little madam up today, so I could give her eyedrops and whilst she was fussing, she dug her claw in to my chin. Normally I’m not fussed about grazes etc, but this time it just went straight in like a needle, and has left a visible hole (looks like a blackhead). It bled a little at the start, and just now a bit of water came out and it’s bled a little again. It only hurts if I press if, and there is a slight raised bump. As it’s not like the usual scratches, thought I’d check to see if I should worry about it (my return button doesn’t seem to be working, so apologies if there are no paragraphs!)

I wouldn't unless it starts to look red or infected. My cats have have given me puncture wounds before. But have a low threshold for going to the GP if it starts to look red. Good luck with the drops. One of mine is currently on them. She's fine once caught. Trying to catch her to give them is the issue!

I wouldn't worry unless it gets red around the perimeter or red tracks leading from it. I tend to be quite relaxed but then ours don't go out much. Puncture wounds can be more dangerous than surface scratches as they break more layers so more opportunity for bacteria to get trapped. I would clean with some dilute antiseptic if you have any or a sea salt solution, and would put tea tree oil on mine, but a tiny bit of antiseptic cream or even savlon would probably be just as good. Any sign of pus, redness etc make a gp appointment.

If you google it, there is such a thing as Cat Scratch Fever - a vaguely fluey-feeling thing. If you develop symptoms, you may need antibiotics.

Thanks all, seems ok for now I’ll keep an eye on it