When cat lovers see a cute cat, they can’t resist playing with it. However, cats are unpredictable creatures. When you play with them, whether it is your own cat or a stranger, you should always be careful because it is easy to get scratched and the wound can lead to rabies infection. Here are some basic self-care methods to protect you if a cat scratches you.  

Rabies – one of the diseases you’re at risk of contracting from a cat scratch

Besides tetanus which should not be overlooked when your body is wounded, precautions must be taken against rabies. Rabies is caused by infection with rabies virus in saliva by scratching or licking a wound in mammals such as cats, dogs, bats, monkeys, gibbons, squirrels, rats, cows, and buffalos. Having pets such as cats and dogs is always popular. But cat lovers should be extra careful because just playing with one and being scratched by it can lead to rabies infection.

Symptoms of rabies

Once the body has been infected with rabies, the symptoms last from 7 days to 3 months. In some cases, the disease can take years to become apparent. Manifestation is divided into these three stages:

1.        Early stage – Symptoms are similar to influenza, with fever, headache, discomfort, and itchy and burning sensations in  the areas where the patient has been scratched or bitten by animals.

2.        Neurologic stage – When the disease develops into a more severe stage, the patient will begin to show symptoms that indicate abnormal functioning of the brain caused by the spread of infection. The symptoms will increase rapidly, including feeling anxious, confused, restless and irritable.

3.        Late stage – The disease increases in severity until the patient goes into a coma and dies from heart failure.

Basic self-care methods when being scratched by a cat

First, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water. Then, wipe the wound with a clean cloth to dry it and wipe it again with alcohol, betadine or saline. Then go to see a doctor for rabies and tetanus vaccinations, especially after being scratched by a runaway or stray cat.

How to prevent rabies

The easiest way to prevent rabies is to try not to get scratched or bitten by animals and avoid being in contact with unfamiliar animals. Dog and cat lovers are advised to bring their pets to be vaccinated according to a schedule every year. In addition, always take care of your pet’s hygiene, including cutting their nails, keeping them clean and keeping their mattress and favorite areas around the house clean to prevent fleas, ticks and insects. When taking your pets outside, keep them on a leash to prevent them getting infected with rabies from being bitten by another animal.

Rabies is not only dangerous for cats and dogs; it is also fatal for their owners and those who play with them. Therefore, we should be cautious and follow rabies prevention methods, both for the safety of yourself and your beloved pet.

Krungthai-AXA Life Insurance customers who are interested in health care can check out other health articles at https://www.krungthai-axa.co.th/th/health-advisories.

References

·       Siriraj Piyamaharajkarun Hospital
https://www.siphhospital.com/th/news/article/share/579

·       Bumrungrad Hospital
https://www.bumrungrad.com/th/conditions/rabies

·       Samitivej Hospital
https://bit.ly/3F8LqzF

·       Pobpad website
https://bit.ly/3BcSDhe