Cat scratch, no bleeding but with slight scratch marks
Dec 03, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Feng
Introduction
Although the cat scratch did not cause bleeding, there are visible scratches. It is important to promptly clean the wound thoroughly, disinfect it properly, assess the cat's health status, monitor changes in the wound, and receive vaccinations if necessary. Even without bleeding, there remains a risk of infection, so proper wound management is essential. If signs such as redness, swelling, pus discharge, fever, or fatigue develop, or if the injury was caused by a stray or rabid cat, prompt medical attention is recommended.
Even if there is no bleeding from a cat scratch but there are visible marks, it's important to promptly clean the wound, thoroughly disinfect it, assess the cat’s health status, monitor changes in the wound, and get vaccinated when necessary. Infection may still occur even without bleeding, so proper management is essential. Seek medical attention immediately if signs such as redness, swelling, pus formation, fever, or fatigue develop, or if the injury was caused by a stray or aggressive cat.
1. Clean the wound promptly: Immediately rinse the scratched area with running water or saline solution for 15–20 minutes continuously to flush away any potentially remaining bacteria or viruses, reducing the risk of infection. Avoid rubbing the wound with hands.
2. Thoroughly disinfect the area: After rinsing, wipe the scratch and surrounding skin with povidone-iodine or medical alcohol, ensuring full coverage of the affected area. Repeat wiping 2–3 times to eliminate residual pathogens. For those allergic to alcohol, use povidone-iodine instead.
3. Assess the cat’s health condition: Determine whether the cat has been vaccinated against rabies and whether it has shown any recent abnormal behaviors such as agitation, excessive salivation, etc. The risk is relatively low with a well-vaccinated household pet, but caution is needed if the cat is a stray or shows unusual symptoms.
4. Monitor wound changes: Check the scratch daily for signs of infection such as increasing redness, swelling, pain, or pus discharge. Also watch for systemic symptoms like fever or fatigue. Keep records to enable timely intervention.
5. Get vaccinated when necessary: If the cat’s health status is unknown, unvaccinated, or if the scratch is deep or caused by a wild cat, promptly visit a healthcare provider for risk assessment. Rabies vaccination may be required to prevent potential risks.
During daily interactions with cats, avoid provoking or angering them. Regularly trim the cat’s claws to reduce the chance of scratches. Keep the wound clean and dry during healing, avoid contact with dirty water or contaminants, wear loose clothing to minimize friction, and promote wound recovery.
