Cats are popular pets, but sometimes they can scratch or bite. Cat bites and scratches can cause pain and infection in humans, so it’s important to know how to provide first aid in such situations.
With first aid knowledge, the possibility of infection can be reduced and immediate relief can be obtained for those injured by a cat bite or scratch. In this article, we will discuss the reminders and common practices for providing first aid for cat bites and scratches.
What is rabies?
Rabies is a preventable disease that is most often caused by the bite of an animal with rabies. The rabies virus affects the central nervous system of a mammal, resulting in brain damage and death.
Animal scratches and bites
Taking care of animals at home is said to be good for a child’s—and even adults’—emotional intelligence. Just expect that when taking care of animals like cats and dogs, there are accidents that can happen, such as scratches or bites.
Even if you don’t have pets, there are still many cats and dogs scattered on the street, which sometimes end up in your yard. That’s why it’s good to know first aid for cat scratches and bites to prevent complications or worsening.
Apple Tagatha, RN, a school nurse, explained that simple cat scratches and bites can easily become infected if not treated promptly. The mouths of animals like cats and dogs can harbor bacteria that can enter the wound and affect health.
Symptoms of rabies in cat bites | Image from Freepik
He also added that Dr. Dessi Roman, a Chemical Associate Professor,
“ Rabies is 99.99%. You round it up 100%. And this is especially true in the Philippines. In some countries, in other countries there might be a few survivors 15-20 reports of survivors.
Who has rabies?
One of the rumors is that only dogs and cats have rabies. But Dr. Dessi Roman, a Chemistry Associate Professor, explained ,
“Basically all the mammals can harbor and transmit the rabies virus”
Because humans are mammals, they also develop rabies when infected by a human or animal with rabies.
Three Categories of Rabies
There are three categories of rabies bites, which are as follows:
Category 1. Handling or feeding a dog, the animal licked your skin without any wound (no exposure). Category 2. There is a scratch on the skin from a scratch or bite. But the bleeding is not continuous (exposure). Category 3. Your skin is actually broken and bleeding continues from the bite or scratch.
Ano ang Pre-exposure Prophylaxis at Post- exposure Prophylaxis?
Pre-exposure Prophylaxis simplifies the process of using post-exposure prophylaxis and can protect against undetected rabies exposure. Your body has additional protection against rabies.
Who should receive rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis?
- Veterinarians, veterinary technicians, animal control officers, wildlife rehabilitators, zoo employees, some laboratory workers, and others who regularly come into contact with animals with possible rabies.
- Travelers who go to areas with endemic canine rabies and have interactions with wild animals, where access to medical needs may be limited.
At what age can you get the Pre-exposure Prophylaxis injection?
Explanation by Dr. Dessi,
“In general, the rabies vaccine is a safe activated vaccine. That means the virus is dead. We did not cause any rabies. That never happened. You get injected with the rabies vaccine and then suddenly you get the virus.”
Any age can receive this, especially if you have pets in your home.
Post-exposure Prophylaxis consists of a single dose of human rabies immune globulin (HRIG) and rabies vaccine given on the day of exposure to rabies, followed by repeat doses at 3 days, 7 days, and 14 days.
For people who have not been vaccinated against rabies before, postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) should always be included with both HRIG and rabies vaccine.
The combination of HRIG and vaccine is recommended for both those bitten and those not bitten by rabies.
Dr. A. A. A. A. added. Dessi,
“Regardless of age, you need to receive post-exposure prophylaxis. You can delay PrEP but post-exposure prophylaxis can’t ever be delayed. Because there is a risk of getting rabies infection. And you know, rabies infection is 100% fatal.”
Adverse reactions to rabies vaccine and immune globulin are uncommon. However, the newer vaccines used today cause fewer adverse side effects than the older vaccines.
Mild, local reactions to rabies vaccine, such as pain, redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site, have been reported. Rarely, symptoms such as headache, nausea, abdominal pain, muscle aches, and dizziness have been reported.
The vaccine should be given at the recommended intervals for best results. Talk to your doctor or state or local public health officials if you have not been vaccinated at the recommended intervals.
Rabies prevention is a serious matter and changes in the dosing schedule should not be made.
People cannot pass rabies to other people unless they themselves have rabies. PEP protects you from developing rabies.
Therefore, you cannot transmit rabies to other people. You can then continue to return to your normal activities.
What should you do or first aid for when you are scratched or bitten by a dog or cat?
Symptoms of rabies in cat bites | Image from Freepik
Here are the steps to take in case you are scratched or bitten by a cat, according to nurse Apple.
- Wash the scratch or bite immediately with soap and running water. Hold it under the tap or pour water over it using a cup to make sure the germs are removed. Do this for a few minutes.
- Check the scratch or bite carefully for a wound or puncture wound. Apply an antibiotic ointment like Fucidine immediately, whether it bleeds or not.
- If bleeding continues, apply pressure to the wound with a clean towel or bandage to stop the bleeding.
- Apply a sterile bandage for protection.
- Whether the cat scratch or bite is small or large, it is necessary to take the person to the doctor immediately to receive appropriate medical attention and prevent complications, especially if the person bitten or scratched is a child.
Worsening symptoms of rabies from cat bites
- Watch for redness and swelling of the scratch or bite. This is a sign that the wound has become infected, especially if it is followed by fever, weakness, and loss of appetite.
- The bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes.
Does cat scratch have rabies?
Symptoms of rabies in cat bites | Image from Freepik
Cat scratches are also dangerous because they like to lick their paws and their saliva gets on them. If you are scratched by your pet cat, do not let it lick your wound because bacteria can also be transmitted through it. Wash your wound thoroughly with soap and water.
If you are scratched or bitten by a cat, go to the Emergency Room or doctor immediately if:
- the patient has diabetes or a weakened immune system due to a medical condition (lung disease, cancer, HIV infection)
- The patient has not had a tetanus vaccine, or the last anti-tetanus vaccine was 5 years or more ago.
- The one who bit was a “stray” or street cat.
- It is not certain whether the cat that bit him had an anti-rabies vaccine.
Anyone who has been bitten by a cat or any other animal needs post-exposure tetanus prophylaxis to prevent tetanus infection. The appropriate series of rabies vaccines and antibiotics will also be required.
To avoid any accidents and alleviate fear, teach children not to play with cats or animals that roam outside the house, or are “unknown”.
If you have a pet cat, teach children to avoid interacting with the pet. This is also to prevent accidental bites or scratches.
Also make sure your pet cat is up to date with its shots. This is especially important if there are children in the family who play with your pet. Also, make it a habit to wash your hands after handling or playing with your pet cat.
Is cat scratch dangerous?
Many of us often think that cat bites are not as dangerous as other animals that carry rabies such as dogs, rats, and bats.
This is undeniable, because unlike other animals, cats are not that aggressive. But it must still be remembered that a cat is still an animal.
They are prone to biting and clawing if they sense that you are a stranger or pose a danger to them, they may also bite you if they feel pain, and they may attack if the owner brings along another or new animal.
A cat’s claws and teeth are dangerous. If it bites you, it can cause serious injury, as its teeth and claws are sharp.
They can leave deep wounds on the parts of the body they scratch or bite. The depth of a cat’s bite can result in serious illnesses, especially if it is infected.
Every cat bite carries large and numerous bacteria and germs that cause infection. Before infection occurs from this bite, the germs and bacteria quickly enter the tissues of our body.
Apart from tissues, our joints and vessels are also affected. When these microbes enter the bloodstream, they can spread to various organs, causing serious complications.
The risks of cat bites vary, depending on the pathogen that is prevalent at the time of the bite. There are cases where the following symptoms occur:
- swelling in the affected body part
- skin infection
- blood poisoning
- diarrhea
- non-healing wounds caused by bites and scratches
- the tension of the muscles
Those are just some of the things you can experience if you are bitten by a cat, what some consider to be harmless cat bites can lead to your death.
Doctors warn of immediate visits to nearby hospitals or animal bite centers if you are bitten on any part of the body.
Whether it is a cat bite on the hand, a foot bite or a face bite, quick action is expected after applying first aid to the cat bite and also to prevent any complications and risks to the body’s condition from its scratching and biting.
How to avoid cat bites or cat scratches?
Applying first aid for a cat bite and consulting a doctor are the first steps that should be taken by someone who has been bitten by a cat, especially one with rabies.
But, how can we avoid those steps, even bites from pets or visible cats?
- First, if you see stray cats or cats on the street, avoid approaching or handling them. Not all cats have the same gentle reactions to people.
- Don’t force your pet to do the things you want it to learn.
- Make sure the cat has a place to stay inside the house. Especially if you have children with you, to prevent the cat from becoming irritable from the child’s mischief. Because cat bites on children are dangerous.
- Also avoid hurting cats because they have a natural instinct to bite or scratch.
- Consult with veterinarians and ask for recommendations regarding simulators for your cat’s teeth.
- If there are open wounds or small cuts and scrapes, do not let your pet lick them.
- Learn about the health and body systems of your pet cat.
- Do not disturb or disturb cats, especially when they are eating or sleeping.
- Make sure your pet cat is vaccinated.
Cat bites are unexpected, but if the following guidelines are considered by cat owners, the dangers they pose can be avoided.
This can help to protect not only your health, but also that of those around you and your pet cat itself.
NOTE:
Take a child or adult who has been scratched or bitten by a cat to the doctor or the Emergency Room, whether the bite is small or large. It is important to report any cat scratch or bite to the doctor immediately.
Especially when it is on the face, hands and arms. Observe the wound carefully and be alert for symptoms such as fever and swelling. It is better to prevent infection, especially rabies, than to regret it later.
Misconceptions about rabies and cat scratches or bites
Many people have misconceptions about rabies and the dangers of cat bites or scratches. Here are some of them, as well as the right information to correct these misconceptions for your family’s safety:
“A scratch is not dangerous as long as it is small.”
- Even a small wound from a cat scratch or bite can cause infection, especially if the animal has not been vaccinated against rabies.
“Rabies is only from bites, not scratches.”
- Rabies can be transmitted through scratches if the cat’s claws are contaminated with its saliva. Therefore, both bites and scratches should be taken seriously.
“Just wash the wound, it’s fine.”
- While washing the wound with soap and water is important as first aid, it is not enough. A cat bite or scratch, especially if it is deep, requires a doctor’s consultation for proper treatment such as post-exposure prophylaxis.
Things to do:
- Have pet cats vaccinated against rabies.
- Avoid harassing or angering unfamiliar cats.
- See a doctor immediately if you have been bitten or scratched by a cat, especially if there is bleeding or a deep wound.
Remember, proper knowledge and action are the most effective protection against rabies.
Republished with permission from theAsianParent Philippines
