What do I need to be wary of?

[TooBigForMyBoots]

DS(7) was attacked by a cat today while visiting relatives. His arm is badly scratched and bruised with one deepish puncture.

It's been covered in antiseptic cream and patched up. Is there anything else I should do tonight? What should I be looking out for before the doctors opens?

God. I'm sorry to hear that.
I imagine being seven he had a tetanus jab before starting school? That should still be protecting him.
I was bitten by a feral kitten once and needed a tetanus booster, plus antibiotics as the wound was feeling a bit warm. The GP will probably give those as a precaution. An infection's not a given so don't worry too much, but do call them first thing in the morning.

Wash wound out with saline solution but I would advise calling non emergency number for guidance as cat bites can be v dangerous. Hopefully your son will be ok and it not to serious

Are they just scratches, or was he bitten? If the puncture wound is a bite, then he is probably going to need antibiotics. Animal bites can cause a seriously nasty infection because germs are pushed deep into the wound.

Co Pilot advice - to watch for increasing redness, swelling, warmth, throbbing, red streaks appearing, pus, fever, chills, or the child saying their fingers hurt or are stiff. And not to use band aids or steri strips but to keep the covering fairly loose.

I don't think he's been bitten. The scratches are bad. A lot of his arm is covered in various size plasters.

The deeper puncture seems to be from a claw, not a bite.

Thank you.

How is your son today OP?

Sore. I took him to hospital and they've given him some antibiotics.

Thanks everyone for your help.