My cat attacked me last night in my sleep...should I worry?

[harper]

Picture this...midnight, everyone peacefully sleeping. There was a loud clap of thunder and then my smoke alarm sounded for just a second, terrifying my old cat Callie, who sleeps up by my head. She evidently scrambled out of bed, using my face as a launching pad. I woke up with a start, trying to figure out if the house was on fire and why my face was bleeding.

She got me across one cheek down by the jaw line. Looks very charming, let me tell you. So, I will be going to the Women's Choice rally Sunday looking like I've been attacked by wild cats.

[Gothic Sponge]

1. See your doctor

You don't want:

[Kat45]

3. I was surprised when I found out there really is a cat scratch fever

and that it's dangerous. I never knew a scratch from a cat could lead to death.

[Lars39]

4. It

is NOT fun. And I had a fairly mild case. Wash every single cat scratch. They don't have to be deep to transmit.

[aquart]

2. Doesn't sound like a regular occurrence.

But your cat is old and she's heard thunder before. You might want to check her out with the vet.

Is she still upset today?

[harper]

5. No, she's fine

She's always been afraid of thunder, but I think it was the fire alarm that got her. I think there was some sort of electrical glitch because it just went off for a second or two then stopped. I now know that nobody in the house will sleep through a fire if the alarm ever goes off for real.

I never even saw her after the event. She was off in some hidey hole hunkered down. I was too busy looking the house over to make sure it wasn't burning and then peroxiding and neosporing my face to spare much though for her and her trauma. I work in a microbiology lab and have seen ample evidence over the years of the damage cat scratches and bites can inflict infection wise.

[SeveneightyWhoa]

6. LOL @ the last sentence.

Make sure you post some pics! ;-)

[put out]

7. Sorry that happened. She was probably just very startled.

Old cat? Maybe she's a little hard of hearing and was doubly scared by the sudden loud sounds, and maybe the human(s) startled too, and added to her panic.

On the other hand, it could be an evil plot. Don't let her see where you keep the checkbook or credit cards. Put tape on the phones and remote controls before you leave the house. Disable the computer when you are not there to mind it.

Don't let her use the scissors. Hide the toilet paper. If you start getting messages from realtors, she may be trying to purchase property without your knowledge but with your money.

File a restraining order, if necessary. If you try this, find a very addled judge to grant it.

I have had to do many of these things. ;)

[harper]

8. haven't had too much trouble so far

but I keep the liquor in the cabinet above the refrigerator and check the long distance bills very closely. Can't be too careful.

[brokensymmetry]

9. You should probably be very afraid.

Keep in mind that her ancestors ate your ancestors! The cats have NOT forgotten!

[UTUSN]

10. Oh, So There Was a Loud Clap of Thunder----------NO, Don't Worry

The headline made it sound PSYCHOTIC. Otoh, it was pefectly understandible.