How to Clean Cat Scratches

Cat scratches can burn, itch and be downright painful. They may be accidental on the part of your cat, but if left untreated, they can become infected and leave scars. It's important to treat them promptly to prevent problems. For those with sensitive skin, the inflammation can spread beyond the immediately affected area. Like dirty fingernails, cats' claws often have material or bacteria on or under them. Remember, they use them to dig in their litter trays, walk around outside, scramble up trees, and more. When they puncture your skin, that stuff is right there, like putting dirt in a wound. The good news is that there are five simple steps you can take when you have a too-close encounter with a cat.

Things You'll Need

  • Mild hand soap
  • Paper towels
  • Anti-bacterial ointment
  • Pure lavender essential oil
  • Bandaids
  • Medical gauze
  • Medical tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use mild hand soap and warm water to wash the cat scratch and the area around it. Flush the area thoroughly with warm water to rinse any material and leftover soap away. Dab gently with a paper towel until dry. This alone will often take care of the problem because you will have removed the irritants, and the itchy-burning feeling will fade away within a few minutes.

    • 2

      Kill the bacteria. For added insurance and to minimize the risk of bacterial infection, use an anti-bacterial ointment such as Neosporin on the scratch. Follow the directions on the tube or box for proper use.

    • 3

      Use lavender oil. As an alternative to an anti-bacterial ointment, pure 100 percent essential lavender oil helps fight against bacteria, accelerates healing, and reduces scarring. Use one to two drops and gently spread or dab around the edges of the scratch with clean fingers or a Q-tip swab. Do not put directly in the scratch.

    • 4

      After you perform Step 2 or Step 3, cover the cat scratch with a bandaid that breathes (don't use one that's waterproof). For longer scratches, you can cut a strip of sterile medical gauze and use medical tape to secure it. You want the wound to be able to breathe. Avoid getting it wet for a few hours until a scab sets.

    • 5

      Make sure the cat scratches have started to scab and heal by peeking under the bandage after a couple of hours. If redness and irritation persist around the scratch, or it starts to ooze, seek out your health care professional. There may be an infection.