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If you have ever had a cat scratch you, you know how bad it hurts. You’ll often take a look at the scratch and marvel at how small it is compared to the amount of pain you feel. But why is this the case, and what should you do after they scratch you? We’re glad you asked because we’ve answered both of those questions for you below.
Important information: The information provided in this post has been fact-checked by one of our veterinarians and is intended for general educational purposes only. These guidelines do not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If a cat scratch is deep, involves the eyes, shows signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus), or if you were scratched by a stray or unknown cat, seek immediate attention from a licensed healthcare professional. Always follow the advice of your doctor or other qualified medical provider regarding any health concerns.
The 3 Reasons Why Cat Scratches Burn
1. They Are Superficial
One reason that cat scratches tend to hurt more than other types of scratches is that they’re often shallow and don’t penetrate deeply. While that might seem counterintuitive, the outer layer of the skin is packed with nerve endings that respond strongly to pain. When a cat scratches you, these nerves are activated, creating that sharp, burning sensation—even if the scratch is small.
2. Bacteria in the Claws
Cats’ claws naturally carry bacteria, including Pasteurella species and, in some cases, Bartonella henselae (the bacteria responsible for cat scratch disease). When a cat scratches, these bacteria can enter the tiny wound, causing inflammation and a burning sensation. This is one reason even minor scratches can sting and sometimes become infected.
3. Allergies or Sensitive Skin
People with cat allergies may experience more intense reactions because their immune system is already sensitive to cat proteins (from saliva or dander), so a scratch can trigger additional irritation and inflammation.
Treating Cat Scratches
If a cat has already scratched you, it’s essential to take the necessary steps to treat a cat scratch. While they’re usually just a little painful, if you don’t treat them correctly, they can turn into something far more serious.
1. Consider the Area Where You Were Scratched
If a cat scratches your eye, the treatment will be quite a bit different than if they scratch your arm. With that in mind, if a cat scratches your eye or the area around it, we highly recommend rinsing it immediately with clean water or saline solution and reaching out to a medical professional right away to ensure you get the treatment you need.
2. Wash Out the Wound
Anytime you get an open wound, the first thing you need to do is wash it out. Use nothing but soap or an antiseptic solution and water to clean out the wound, thoroughly rinse it out, and pat it dry before doing anything else. This is your best defense against infection, so take it seriously!
3. Apply an Antibiotic Ointment
If you want a little more protection, applying an over-the-counter antibiotic cream is a wise choice. You should cover the wound with a sterile gauze pad to increase protection.
4. Watch for Infection
After you wash out the scratch and apply an antibiotic cream, the only thing left for you to do is monitor the wound for an infection. Signs of an infection include pain, discharge, redness, and swelling around the scratch area. If any of these signs appear, seek medical attention right away.
5. Consider a Trip to the Doctor
If you don’t know the cat that scratched you, then we highly recommend taking a trip to your doctor right away. That’s because stray and feral cats can spread diseases like rabies, and early medical intervention is your best course of action in these situations.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know why cat scratches hurt so much, all you can do is treat your current scratches and do your best to avoid them in the future. Ensure you treat any scratches right away, though, and if things start to worsen, seek out professional medical help sooner rather than later.
Featured Image Credit: Zyabich, Shutterstock
