This article summarizes emergency actions and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment. If you are concerned about the condition of your wound or your physical condition, please consult a medical institution.
If you are scratched or bitten by a cat at a cat inn, do not be frightened and chase or scold the cat, but first keep a distance between you and the cat. The cat’s mouth and nails can contain microorganisms that can cause infection, even if the cat is not showing any symptoms.
- Do not catch the cat and report it to the inn staff
- Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water
- Do not narrow down when to seek medical care based on your own judgment
- Tell the doctor that the wound was caused by a cat when visiting the doctor
- Prioritize records over photos
- Review the incident to reduce future accidents
- On-the-spot confirmation list
- Summary
- Related articles
- Reference materials
Do not catch the cat and report it to the inn staff
Leave the area calmly so as not to hit the cat as a result of the sudden withdrawal of your hand. If the cat is excited or hides under the furniture, don’t catch it yourself.
Tell the inn staff which cat, location, time, and if you were bitten or scratched. It also provides the information you need to manage the cat’s health.
Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water
The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare advises that if you receive a bite or scratch from a dog or cat, you should wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water. Don’t ignore the scratches even if they seem small.
If your ring or watch interferes with cleaning, remove it as much as possible. Do not let the cat lick the wound, and check with the inn for first aid supplies and nearby medical facilities.
Do not narrow down when to seek medical care based on your own judgment
Consult a medical institution promptly for deep wounds, wounds that are difficult to stop bleeding, wounds near the face, hands, or joints, or severe pain or swelling. People with underlying conditions, those receiving treatment affecting immune function, and pregnant people should also seek advice rather than deciding that a small wound is harmless.
If you notice changes such as redness, swelling, warmth, pain, or fever over time, you should also consider seeing a doctor. Confirm the urgency with the local emergency consultation center or medical institution.
Tell the doctor that the wound was caused by a cat when visiting the doctor
Tell the medical professional that the injury was a cat bite or scratch, give the date, time, and body location, explain that you washed it, and provide whatever information you know about the cat. If you were injured abroad, also tell the medical professional which country or region.
Guests do not have to guess about the vaccinations or medical history of the cat staying at the accommodation; we will contact the inn once the necessary confirmation information is provided by a medical institution.
Prioritize records over photos
If you want to record the state of your wound for medical consultation, use your device to take only the necessary area. We do not identify cats and post them on SNS as “dangerous cats,” nor do we disclose personal information about the hotel.
Leave assessment of the situation to the inn and medical professionals. Do not recreate the incident by making the cat repeat the same movement.
Review the incident to reduce future accidents
If you touch a cat while it’s sleeping, touch it while it’s eating, touch its tail or legs, or block its escape route, report the facts to the inn. This is not to place blame, but to help ensure the safety of the next guest and the cat.
Even if it looks like the cat has suddenly attacked, there may be hidden pain or changes in physical condition. I will leave it to the staff without diagnosing it.
On-the-spot confirmation list
- Don’t chase the cat, keep your distance
- Informed the hotel staff of the time and situation.
- Washed thoroughly with soap and water
- Don’t let the cat lick your wounds
- Confirmed the need to consult a medical institution
- When I visited the doctor, I was told that the wound was caused by a cat.
Summary
If you get hurt at a cat inn, instead of punishing the cat, keep your distance, notify the inn, and wash the wound with soap and water. Observe any changes in even small wounds and consult a medical institution if you have any concerns.
