My friends and I found a stray cat it looked really healthy and we were petting it. It was super nice and we wanted to save it so we took it to my friends house and it freaked out because of her dogs and jumped out and scratched me it wasnt super bad but it hurt and i washed it with soap at lunch and then with an acohol pad when i got home is it okay or should i be taking precautions it definitely did not have rabies or we wouldnt have gone near it im not that stupid but im paranoid
Rabies is in the saliva, so unless the cat bit you, you do not have to worry about rabies. Sometimes scratches get infected, but that's unusual. It's good that you washed it right away, too. If you noticed increased redness or swelling, or you have any other troublesome symptoms, call your doctor right away.
There is a real condition called "cat scratch fever" not just a song. Cats, especially strays that have not been immunized can harbor this bacteria. However, if you contracted this you'd know it soon. You'll have a high fever, swollen, red and painful area around the scratch and often a red line running up your arm indicating the spread of the infection . If you have any flu like symptoms or the wound gets worse instead of better, seek medical help.
It most certainly could have had rabies, but I don't want to alarm you.
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com
It was good of you to wash it, but now you should contact your vet and tell them what happened. If you've gotten your tetanus shot recently there shouldn't be anything to worry about, really, but be very sure to tell your vet.
You can be exposed to rabies and other diseases by doing this ... rabies does not always show, and there is a period of incubation in which there are no symptoms at all.
Just call your vet! Hope I could help you out! ^ - ^
EDIT:
OMG! Sphynx reminded me! I can't believe I forgot the most obvious one! Cat scratch fever.
=.=;
Yes, the area will swell if you have it. Your lymph nodes (areas everywhere throughout your body) will swell and be painful to touch. You'll probably know when you see it.
Thanks, Sphynx!
Cats almost never have rabies. It's a dogs' disease. But call your doctor just in case. I dont know if they have rabies in your area recently. Even if not, ask a doctor over the phone. it's free and would take a moment of your time.
When I get scratched, I wash it whatever I can and if I pass by a hand sanitizer thing during school I'll put some on the cut just to make sure it's clean .
