What Should You Do If A Cat Bites You?

Cats may bite for various reasons, from playful behavior to fear-based reactions. A cat might bite you because he or she is either overstimulated or feels the need to defend itself. Or just playing with you and trying to get your attention. Regardless of the cause, if a cat bite breaks the skin, it’s important to act swiftly to minimize the risk of infection.

If the cat bite becomes infected, you may notice redness, swelling, and pain. The wound might even produce discharge. The more severe signs of infection can include bumps, blisters, fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and a general feeling of being unwell.

Why Are Cat Bites So Dangerous?

Cat bites can be dangerous because they can potentially present a high risk of infection for several reasons. Cats' sharp teeth can puncture deeply into the skin and tissue, creating wounds that are difficult to clean effectively.

Infections are particularly common when a bite occurs near a joint because bacteria can easily penetrate the protective membrane surrounding joints and tendons. This area is difficult for antibiotics to reach, allowing the infection to progress unchecked.

Bites on the hand are especially vulnerable to infection. Approximately one-third of hand bites lead to hospitalization, and some cases may even require surgery to drain the infection. Hands are more susceptible due to the abundance of joints and tendons, as well as their frequent exposure to dirt and debris.

How to Treat a Minor Cat Bite

 It is important to take care of the bite immediately to prevent an infection.

Here’s what to do immediately when a cat bites you:

Examine the wound and stop the bleeding:

Apply pressure with a clean, dry cloth or bandage until the bleeding stops.

Clean the wound:

Wash the bite thoroughly with mild soap and water. Using hydrogen peroxide can help remove lingering bacteria and debris.

Apply antibiotic ointment:

Once the wound is clean and dry, use an over-the-counter topical antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.

Bandage the wound:

Cover the bite with a clean bandage to protect it from dirt and bacteria. Change the bandage multiple times a day, reapplying the antibiotic ointment with each change.

 Keep an eye on the wound for infection:

 Keep a close eye on the bite for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or fluid drainage. Make sure your tetanus shot is up to date (within the last seven years).

How to Treat an Infected Cat Bite

If a cat bite becomes infected, it's important to seek medical attention immediately. Infections can set in quickly—sometimes within a few hours of the bite.

While some initial redness and swelling are normal, worsening symptoms such as increased pain, swelling, or fluid drainage indicate that a stronger course of antibiotics may be necessary.

Doctors take cat bites seriously due to the high likelihood of infection. Treatment often includes antibiotics specifically targeted to address the various types of bacteria commonly found in cat bites.

Even if a bite seems minor at first, it can still become seriously infected. Monitor all bites carefully, and if you notice any signs of infection, don’t hesitate to visit a doctor or emergency room before the situation worsens.

What Are the Key Signs of Infection?

Typical signs of an infected cat bite include increasing redness, swelling, warmth around the wound, and pain that worsens over time. You may also notice fluid drainage (pus) from the site of the bite, which is a clear indicator that the wound has become infected.

In more severe cases, symptoms can extend beyond the wound, causing fever, swollen lymph nodes, chills, fatigue, and a general sense of malaise. These symptoms suggest that the infection may have spread to other parts of the body, potentially leading to serious conditions like cellulitis or sepsis.

When to See Your Doctor for a Cat Bite

At the first sign of infection, it’s important to see your doctor or any other health care provider. If the bite is on your hand or near a joint, this is particularly urgent, as infections in these areas are more difficult to treat.

Your doctor will likely clean the wound thoroughly and may prescribe a course of oral antibiotics to help fight the infection. In some cases, if the infection is severe or has spread, you may be given antibiotics intravenously.

Antibiotic Treatment

Doctors often prescribe broad-spectrum antibiotics to cover a variety of bacteria commonly found in cat bites, including Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus.

Antibiotics such as amoxicillin-clavulanate are frequently used to treat these infections. It’s important to take the entire course of antibiotics, even if the wound starts to improve, to ensure the infection is fully gone.

Wound Care and Monitoring

In addition to antibiotics, your doctor may recommend keeping the wound elevated, especially if it’s on your hand or arm to help reduce swelling. The wound should be cleaned regularly, and any dressings should be changed as directed by your healthcare provider.

Make sure to watch for any worsening symptoms or signs that the infection may not be responding to treatment, such as increasing pain, expanding redness, or continued drainage.

Tetanus Booster:

If your tetanus vaccinations are not up to date, your doctor may administer a booster shot.

Rabies Shot:

If the cat that bit you is a stray or its rabies vaccination status is unknown, your doctor might recommend a rabies shot.

Hospitalization and Surgery – For Severe Cases

In more severe cases, especially when the infection spreads to tendons, joints, or deep tissues, hospitalization may be required. In these situations, surgical intervention might be necessary to drain the infection and clean the wound thoroughly.

If the infection involves a joint, you may need surgery to flush the area and remove any infected tissue. This helps prevent long-term complications such as loss of joint function.

Post-Treatment Care

After the infection has been treated, it’s important to continue monitoring the bite are until it’s fully healed. Your doctor may schedule follow-up appointments to ensure the infection is under control and that there are no lingering issues.

Depending on the severity of the infection, physical therapy might be needed to restore movement and function, particularly if the bite was near a joint.

The bottom line is that if your cat bites you and it penetrates the skin deeply, it’s important to act on it immediately. If you are unsure, consult your doctor as it is always better to get ahead of anything serious such as an infection or worse.