My cat dug his claws in my arm and punctured deep (drew blood)in my skin - do I need a tetanus shot?

This cat likes to be in his littler and right now his claws are long - I am worried dirty litter could be in the puncture. He held on when I was trying to put him down and his claws dug deep in to my arm.

My cat dug his claws in my arm and punctured deep (drew blood)in my skin - do I need a tetanus shot?
Cats are usually cleanest of pets, normally cleaning the wound with soap and water and appplying some antibiotic cream and a banfage will do. A tetenus shot is a little extreme (and costly) for a cat scratch.
Reply:Not necessarily a tetanus shot but you might need to get some antibiotics.





You should see a doctor at your convenience (within a day or two).





(Heh - I'd bite and scratch you if you were trying to put ME down!)
Reply:A tetanus shot would be a good idea if you aren't up to date and antibiotics. Cat scratches tend to get infected as they carry bacteria deep into the skin.
Reply:Yes you need a tetanus shot if you haven't had one in the past 7 years. The bacteria in the feces and litter box can cause a serious infectin. You should probably go tonight or first thing in the morning. If you can't afford to go you need to clean it out real well with hot water and soap. If you have any iodine, you should spread it on. You can also use rubbing alcohol, but it isn't good enough for killing all bacteria. Don't use peroxide. It isn't good for killing bacteria either. Dial soap or antibacterial soap should work. use a mild scented soap too. keep it clean and covered for a couple days.
Reply:Just wash it well with hot soapy water,and watch it for swelling and redness.Pay attention to your "glands"if they swell and become painful, see a doctor...there really is such a thing as cat scratch fever !!!My daughter caught it when she was pre-school,but a round of antibiotics cured it right up.
Reply:I think not!





Just wash it with soap and water it should be fine. Inless the wound is like a knife blade cut then you don't need to do anything.
Reply:Get on Antibiotics asap. I know a woman who got gangrene from cat scratches!!! tons of bacteria in their claws

china green