Cats may bite and scratch you, but normally such problems aren’t dangerous. However, if a strange cat bites or scratches you, then the potential for trouble may increase because you may not know if that cat may have been sick or diseased.

Look for pus or oozing around a bite or scratch. Also notice if you develop a fever shortly after getting bitten or scratched. Feel the affected area to detect any signs of increased heat, which could be your body’s signal that it’s sending antibodies to fight an infected area.

Normally cats are friendly but be wary of getting bit or scratched by a strange cat. Keep yourself safe, even around your own cats.

To learn about symptoms you shouldn’t ignore if you get bit or scratched by a cat, click here.