When should I be worried after a cat scratch?
Seek medical evaluation if fever lasts more than three days, lymph nodes enlarge rapidly, pain is severe, there is marked redness/warmth, pus drainage, shortness of breath, or eye redness/pain/vision changes. Thresholds should be lower for immunocompromised people, pregnant individuals, young children, and those with serious chronic disease. Rapidly spreading redness or red streaking from the wound also warrants prompt assessment.