The cat is a feline with claws that it tries to keep sharp at all times. From a very young age, it uses them to jump and climb, and also to mark its territory and feel secure. The problem is that, unintentionally, it can sometimes hurt us, because the Human skin is very thin And it also has hardly any protective fur, so we might occasionally get a scratch or two.
While there are several reasons why this beautiful hairy spider dies, the most common is usually the I play with a lack of self-controlFor this reason, it's very important to teach them not to do it from the first day they come home and to know the best ways to prevent it. In the meantime, it's helpful to have these things on hand. home remedies for cat scratches and knowing when it is necessary to see a doctor to avoid complications.
Why is my cat scratching?
The cat is an animal that has claws, which it uses to climb and move. It is a feline, and without them it couldn't carry a cat. typical cat lifebecause they help them defend themselves, communicate, and maintain their balance. It's very important to always keep this in mind and not choose to amputate them (a practice that, by the way, is prohibited in Europe). If they scratch us, we shouldn't yell at them, but teach him not to and understand what's behind that behavior.
Even if it shows the claws, scratching is a behavior natural and necessary For the cat, scratching helps it stretch, release tension, and renew the outer layers of its claws. However, depending on the context, scratching can have different meanings.
Let's first look at why the cat scratches:
- PlayThis is especially common in kittens. A young cat uses its claws to explore objects, human hands and feet, and doesn't yet have good control over its strength during play, so it may deliver more forceful scratches.
- He is sickIf your pet is in pain or discomfort, it will be defensive and may attack when you touch it in a painful area or try to pick it up.
- Is stressedIf he is tense (or lives in a tense family environment), he will react violently to defend himself. Stress can also cause him to scratch more furniture, doors, and sofas to release anxiety.
- He has had no relationship with peopleIf it has been rescued from the street, or if it has been mistreated, the furry friend will scratch those who want to help him because he is not used to human contact and may perceive it as a threat.
- Mark your territoryWhen scratching, the cat leaves visible marks and also pheromones in their paw padsThis allows you to designate important areas of your surroundings as safe and your own.
- He feels unsafe or afraidA cat that feels cornered, with no possibility of escape, may resort to scratching as a last defensive option.
Furthermore, many cats prefer to scratch sofas, armchairs, or door frames because these are highly visible areas, frequently used by people, and have a perfect texture for sinking their claws in. If our furry friend discovers that every time he scratches the sofa we react with shouts or running towards him, he might even use it as a way to... draw attention.
What should I do if my cat scratches me?
The first and most important thing is respect the cat at all timesDon't hit him, yell at him, chase him, or even pet him if he doesn't want it. These kinds of human reactions only increase fear, distrust, and, consequently, scratching.
If it scratches us, what we will do is simply walk away calmlyIn this way, whether it's a kitten playing or a cat feeling threatened for whatever reason, it can calm down and learn that rough play ends the fun interaction.
You have to earn their trust little by little, by offering them cat treatsinviting him to play - always with a string or a wand-like toy - and taking time to understand his body languageA relaxed cat, with its tail held high and making smooth movements, is less likely to scratch than a rigid one, with its tail twitching or its ears pinned back.
Some practical tips to reduce scratches to people and furniture are:
- Provide suitable scratching posts near sofas, beds, and walkways. Scratching posts made of sisal, corrugated cardboard, or special mats allow the cat to wear down its claws in appropriate places.
- Place several scratching posts If there is more than one cat in the house, as they don't always like to share and competition can increase claw marking.
- play daily with cane toys, balls or feather dusters, so that the cat can release energy in a healthy way and not redirect it towards your hands or furniture.
- Cut your nails safely Use special cat nail clippers, always avoiding the pink part of the nail (the quick). This won't eliminate scratching, but it can reduce the damage.
- Evaluate the use of synthetic pheromones in a diffuser or spray, especially if the animal scratches due to stress or excessive marking, to help it feel calmer.
Under no circumstances should physical punishment, water spray, or other aggressive methods be used. These only generate more fear and can cause the cat to scratch more frequently out of frustration.
Home remedies for cat scratches on people
While your furry friend is learning not to scratch, it might scratch you occasionally. A cat scratch is usually a small wound, but it shouldn't be underestimated, as germs can live in their claws and mouth. bacteria capable of infecting the skinTherefore, it is essential to clean and monitor the area.
To treat the wound we must do the following:
- Wash the wound with soap and water. Gently rub for a few minutes. This helps to remove dirt, nail clippings, and most of the germs that may have gotten in.
- Disinfect it with a suitable antisepticYou can use diluted povidone-iodine or chlorhexidine for skin use. Hydrogen peroxide is often used at home, but it can be irritating; if you use it, use only a small amount and rinse the area afterward.
- Apply gel Aloe veraAloe vera has moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative properties, provided you're not allergic and the skin isn't too broken. Aloe helps soothe itching and improves the skin's appearance while it heals.
- Do not cover the wound If the scratch is superficial, it's best to let it air out so it heals faster, unless the area rubs against clothing or could get dirty easily.
In addition to these basic steps, it's important to observe how the scratch evolves. There are certain signs that can indicate infection or complications and that require a medical visit:
- Redness that increases as the hours passed, instead of going down.
- Swelling and a feeling of heat around the wound.
- Intense itching or pain which worsens over time.
- Pus, secretions, or foul odor emerging from the scratch.
- Fever, general malaise, nausea or vomiting after the scratch.
If the scratch is deep, you should see a doctor immediately. It is also recommended to consult a healthcare professional when:
- The wound is very deep or excessive bleeding.
- The scratch was caused by a unknown cat or without veterinary control.
- You suspect the animal might have rabies or other disease contagious.
- It's been a long time since you checked your tetanus vaccination or you don't remember the date of your last dose.
The doctor will assess whether vaccinations, antibiotics, or specific treatments are necessary. Although most scratches heal without problems with home care, it's important not to ignore warning signs.
In addition to immediate care, keep the skin hydrated and protect the area from the sun with a suitable sunscreen Once the wound has closed, avoiding scratching the scabs helps minimize scarring and promotes a more aesthetically pleasing scar. If small spots or scars remain and you're concerned about their appearance, it's always advisable to consult a dermatologist before using any oils or specific products.
With good wound hygiene, proper cat training, and a calm environment for your feline, it is possible to enjoy their company while minimizing scratches and the risks involved.
I hope these tips are useful to you.