So, on top of everything I have to deal with right now, I get THIS.

I feed the stray cats (4 or 5 of them) that live behind our house. They're friendly, know that I only bring them food and they always wait for me. They're a bit shy though, so I never pet them (also because they might be sick and that's where my problem starts). So right now, there's 3 adults and 1 kitten. On Sunday, I brought them some regular cat food and a big slice of cooked meat (ew). The little kitten looked so hungry, so I decided to stay there and feed the meat to every cat individually so they wouldn't fight. Aaaand I start tearing that piece of meat and throwing it to the cats. But, I was kneeling and the cats were all over me. Then, this orange one scratched me on my arm just as I was about to give it the food. I got a bit scared at first, but I noticed that the claws didn't break the skin and I continued. A couple of seconds later, the cat does the same thing again, tries to claw me, but damn, now he succeeds and sticks his claw into my right breast (I was wearing a tank top, so I was exposed). Into the upper part of it to be exact, just where the cup of the bra ends. I quickly stood up and went inside to wash everything. I washed my hands first of course then I washed the scratch, too. That day it started getting a bit red around where I got clawed. I wasn't worried, because my scratches always get red when /my/ cat does that to me. Yesterday, the scratch started itching me. I went to the bathroom at school, and checked and it was a deeper shade of red. I was starting to get a bit worried. Today, I just woke up, it still itches, but the part where the claw stuck through is an even deeper shade of red. It's a very small part, but ... It's still there.

I'm sort of afraid to go see a doctor, though I may go see one today. But what do you think I can do here and now, if anyone has a slight clue to it?

Thanks so much. These cats don't appear very healthy and that's the main thing that concerns me.

Eww.

Go to the doctor. Even if its just a scratch. Stray cats are diseased and filthy.

You'll probably get a tetnus shot just to be safe.

I would DEFINITELY visit a doctor if I were you. Just to be sure!

The scratch could be infected. Go to the doctor.

go to the doctors and say it's a cat scratch cat's claws are designed to leave dirt behind so not really safe if you don't go to the doctors try and keep it clean, salt water or disinfectant should do it

but really go to the doctors

I own a cat, and their scratches do turn red...that's normal. I wouldn't be worried unless it turns green/yellow/has pus coming out of it. But, since the cats are stray, you could go check it out if you're really worried.

edit- or you could try, for now, soaking it and cleaning it out. Polysporin and bactine are really good for fighting infections. What I'd do is take care of it for a while, and if it doesn't let up in a few days, see the doctor.

I would disinfect it, and then go see a doctor, especially if the cats don't look healthy.

Okay, thanks everyone :) I'm going to the doctor's tomorrow. I just took a shower and it looks a bit better than before, it also itches less... I'm just curious what'll happen it the next couple of days.

Not all strays are diseased and filthy. :|

I've had scratches from my cats that itched really bad and were very red, but I just kept them clean, used some Neosporin, and they went away on their own with no problems.

When things are healing they itch.. At least most of my injuries do. And the red is probably just it healing also...I wouldn't worry unless it starts to get all pus filled

I just got back from the doctor's yawn (it's nearly 8 am) and he said I -should- be fine. I got my shot aswell :P (ouch o_x)

Ive had cats all my life and had tons of battle wounds from them fighting the strays.

Red itching scratches are what generally happen if the skin breaks. Did your doctor ask you to get the shot as a precaution, or was it something you requested?

I requested it, I was too worried XD

ahh, just put some rubbing alcohol on it and get over it. just a kitten! after all WHAT DONT KILL YOU MAKES YOU STRONGER

Actually it was an adult cat :P And what if it does kill me, rofl? XD

Naaah, it won't, it's only killing me because it itches XD

yeah, i call all cats kittens. and all dogs puppies. and all people babies. ahahaahha

Go to the doc. (; It's really nice what you've been doing for those kitties, and you need to make sure you're alright!

EDIT: Woops...xD Good to hear that it's alright! I hate shots though. I had to get a few vaccines a couple months ago, and I was sick the whole weekend. D:

One, steralize it. Two, go to an insta-care or something.

Go to the doctor, its not worth the risk.