Cat scratches....

[Khephra]

is there anything to do to stop them from itching?

[corarose]

1. Hate me for this but the answer is

De-claw or buy tips for the cat's nails because they can do damage to your arms that will require plastic surgery later in your life.

[Occulus]

3. Not to mention

that cats clean their claws with their tongues, and unlike a dog's mouth, cat's mouths do contain a number of bacteria that are harmful to humans. Not only that, but the clean their paws/claws with their mouths; this after walking through their litter. You then get all those bacteria in the scratches as well.

My advice: yes, it's a bit cruel, but get your kitty's front claws removed; your flesh will thank you later on. :)

[corarose]

7. I got a skin infection on my leg one time because of a cat scratch

It hurt like hell.

[juajen]

4. Aw, come on

I have been scratched by cats all my life. Certainly do not need plastic surgery. Also, de-clawing cats is cruel and keeps them from ever being able to defend themselves. Frankly, as far as I am concerned, this is strictly a no-no. I have seen many a big dog deterred by a scratch on the nose from a cat, which otherwise would have been killed. Do not leave the tiny creatures defenseless.

On edit: Also hydrocortizone creme helps in most cases.

[Occulus]

6. *sigh*

I know, I know. It was a tough decision for us too, but it was either get rid of the claws... or get rid of the cat (we live in an apartment).

You should have seen the gouges left on the doorjambs from our other cat. We had a scratching post, but he refused to use it, preferring instead the jambs that were in our apartment.

Having clawed cats simply wasn't worth losing every security deposit I'm ever likely to put down, just in the name of being uncruel.

(yes, I agree, it's cruel. But what do I DO? If it were my own home, hey, no problem... but I know from experience that landlords in college towns are wont to keep the entire deposit for a quarter-size stain on the carpet, sooo.....)

[corarose]

15. I use to be a groomer

You should see my right arm and the damage was done by my Cat being playful.

[sam sarrha]

16. you aparently are healthy and have a good imune system, others may not

be so lucky, and may suffer serious consequences... i have have seen serious blood poisoning from cat scratch infections. The red lines typical to blood poisoning are actually infected/inflamed veins, if the infection should get to heart valves, one could end up crippled for life.

[corarose]

18. Did you ever hear of Cat Scratch Fever?

:kick:

[jukes]

17. scratches

I'm with you, Juajen. Cats aren't "declawed", the first joint of the toe is removed. If that were done to a "human" he/she would have a hell of a time learning to walk. I've recued cats that havd been declawed (not rescued because they'd been declawed, though) and they compensate by biting for defence.
Have some heart, guys. If you have to deform it to live w/it, it's not a pet but a victim.
Peroxide will wash the sting away and disinfect. If they're feisty, you might want to check your shot record for tetanus.

[juajen]

2. Make a paste of baking soda and water, apply, reapply when needed

BTW, I have twelve cats; four inside; four porch; the rest outside. Two of the inside ones go out during the day. Obviously, we take in strays.

[Blaukraut]

5. Neosporin ointment

Kills the germs and soothes the itch. I'd also either clip the tips of kitty's claws, or, if you don't trust yourself, have the vet do it for you :-)

[wickerwoman]

9. Agreed on the clipping.

It's pretty easy once you get the knack. We clip every two or three weeks and it cuts down on scratching considerably. Research declawing before you consider it- it's actually illegal (considered mutilation) in most of Europe. It's a major painful operation that removes bone from your cat's feet.
Most vets have pamphlets on how to deal with scratching but we find keeping their nails reasonably short works wonders.

[Syncronaut Seven]

12. If it's bleeding bad enough that

I've got to blot the blood, I do an alcohol wash followed by Neosporin/Polysporin.

Better yet! Do what I do, Use a leather welders glove when you play with your pussy..... er, cat.

Harrad.

Edit spelling

[Cleita]

8. Benedryl ointment works for me. It's good for all kinds of

itches like bug bites and so on. My little Benny Badda Binga kitty gives me plenty of scratches.

[NYC]

10. Try this.

It works for itchy mosquito bites. I have no idea if it will work on an itchy cat scratch.

Dampen a bar of soap and rub it on the scratch.

[dreissig]

11. Histamine Reaction

Cat scratches swell up because of a histamine reaction. They'll stop itching if you suppress the swelling. Somebody suggested Benadryl. That's what I'd use.

Cats don't mind getting the points of their claws clipped with a fingernail clipper. It doesn't leave them defenseless, either.

[sam sarrha]

13. be Careful about cat scratches.. they walk in the litter box cat crap

and you can get a nasty infection, that might not heal or can give you blood poisioning..got extra money for an emergency room visit and extended care. scrub wounds furiously with soap/water then neosporin, leave a cat that scratches alone. There is really a 'Cat Scratch Fever'.

[scucci]

19. Yep

Hydrogen Peroxide and anti-biotic cream. Go now. JM advice.

[REP]

14. Ignore The Wussies Who Declaw

and just use some Polysporin on them after washing them thoroughly.

It is recommended that diabetics declaw their cats. I refuse to mutilate animals just because I'm sick. As for scratches requiring plastic surgery - really? I needed stitches once, but not plastic surgery.

[Divernan]

20. Cat/Kitten bites can be lethal.

I worked with a lawsuit where a kitten bit a houseguest on the back of her heel while she was sitting in a chair. The kitten's teeth were so sharp and narrow that simply putting an antibiotic cream on it did not reach down to the bottom of the bite. The woman ended up in the hospital for a week on intravenous antibiotics and nearly lost her leg. If you get a bite from a cat, you really should get to the ER and have it irrigated.