Why Can a Cat Scratch Nearly Be Fatal? Cat Ownership Precautions and the Effective Time Window for Vaccination
Recently, a news story about nearly dying from a cat scratch attracted nationwide attention, and many people want to know why can a cat scratch nearly be fatal? What should you pay attention to when owning a cat? How long after a scratch is vaccination still effective?
1. Why can a cat scratch nearly be fatal?
Recently, a 65-year-old woman in the UK was scratched by her beloved cat, which caused an infection and led to septic shock, organ failure, pneumonia, and even a deadly “flesh-eating bacteria” infection that caused necrotizing fasciitis, and she nearly died.
Her near-death was mainly due to wound infection, which triggered septic shock, organ failure, pneumonia, and even a “flesh-eating bacteria” infection that eroded the body's soft tissue and caused necrotizing fasciitis.
In addition, the medical team performed surgery on Hale to remove the infected tissue. After Hale was admitted to the hospital, her family was repeatedly told to “prepare for the worst.” After a series of surgeries, her condition worsened at one point and even triggered 2 heart attacks.
According to reports, Hale underwent surgery and treatment in the intensive care unit for as long as 2 months. After her condition stabilized, doctors took skin tissue from her leg for a graft to cover the wound on the back of her hand, and she was finally discharged successfully.
2. What should you pay attention to when owning a cat?
1. Before bringing a cat home, first take the cat to a pet hospital for a routine physical examination. During the process of keeping a cat, a reasonable immunization plan should be made.
2. Deworm the cat internally and externally on a regular schedule. Provide the cat with daily necessities, such as cat litter, a litter box, cat food and cat toys.
3. Set aside enough time to interact with the cat. Observe the cat carefully in daily life, and if you find any abnormality in the cat, take it to a pet hospital promptly.
3. How long after being scratched by a cat is vaccination effective?
1. After being scratched by a cat, it is recommended to seek medical treatment promptly, wash the wound repeatedly with soapy water and running tap water for about 20 minutes, and then disinfect it with concentrated iodine tincture.
2. If the cat scratch bleeds, tetanus and rabies immune globulin should also be injected around the area. If it is only a mild scratch, it is recommended to first receive the rabies vaccine. The rabies vaccine is generally given as 5 doses within 0, 3, 7, 14 and 28 days after the scratch. During the period of rabies vaccination, avoid spicy food and avoid tea.
Therefore, cat owners must make sure their cats are vaccinated promptly. After being scratched, wash the wound with soapy water; if bleeding occurs, seek medical treatment promptly and receive the rabies vaccine.