I just read a staff report on whether cats have poison in their claws. The person who answered it suggested that the person who wrote it might be allergic to cats, or perhaps the cat had a kind of disease. I have my own theory. I have a cat myself. While I have never gotten an infection from any scratches and I KNOW for a fact that I am not allergic to her, I still get ugly, red, welt-looking scratchmarks if I don’t wash the wound immediately. My conclusion: the claws have a ton of bacteria on them from using the litterbox. It sounds rather sickening, but it’s pretty logical. After all, cats may lick themselves thoroughly, but I’ve never seen my cat licking her claws.
Snowcat, welcome aboard, we’re pleased to have you here at the STRAIGHT DOPE.
When starting a topic, please post a link to the relevant Staff Report – makes it easier for those who come after to know what you were commenting on. In this case, Do cats have poison claws?
If you’re not sure how to post a link, go to the ABOUT THIS MESSAGE BOARD forum and there’s instructions there. Thanks!