How to Treat a Cat Bite

Many cat owners have experienced being bitten by their cats. Even if your cat is fully vaccinated, it's crucial to properly clean and monitor the bite to catch any signs of infection. Cats have sharp canine teeth, so their bites can be deep and lead to possible infections.

Assess the severity of the bite. Sometimes, cats only leave a small teeth mark without breaking the skin, but other times the bite can create a deep puncture from their sharp teeth.

• Examine the bite to check for any broken skin.
• Children may become frightened and cry, even if the bite isn't deep.

Clean the bite wound gently. If the cat's teeth didn't break the skin or cause an open wound but the bite is still relatively deep, you can clean the bite at home.

• Wash the bite thoroughly with soap and clean water. Place the bite under running water for a few minutes to remove dirt and bacteria from the area.
• Lightly squeeze the wound to encourage blood flow. This also helps remove dirt and bacteria from the wound.

Disinfect the wound to prevent bacteria or germs from forming. Apply disinfectant on a clean cotton ball and gently dab it on the bite. This might sting but the sensation won't last long. The following chemicals are highly effective for sanitizing:

• Rubbing alcohol
• Antiseptic solution with iodine
• Hydrogen peroxide

Prevent infection in a mild bite by applying over-the-counter antibiotic ointment. Squeeze a small amount of antibiotic ointment, about the size of a pea, and apply it to the injured area.

• Triple antibiotic ointments are widely available and effective. Be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging.
• Consult with a doctor before using any medication on infants or pregnant women.

Protect the wound with a bandage. This will help keep out dirt and bacteria, promoting faster healing. Cover the injured area with a clean adhesive bandage.

• Since cat bites are usually small, you can cover them with a standard adhesive bandage available at pharmacies.
• Make sure to dry the bite before applying the bandage to ensure it sticks better.

See a doctor if the bite is too severe and you can't properly care for it yourself. These are the types of bites that require professional attention:

• Bites on the face
• Deep puncture wounds caused by the cat's canine teeth
• Excessive and uncontrollable bleeding
• Torn tissue that requires medical intervention
• Bites affecting joints, ligaments, or tendons

Consult with a doctor regarding wound care. Depending on the severity of the injury and your health status, the doctor may:

• Suture the wound to stop the bleeding
• Remove dead tissue to prevent infection
• Order an X-ray to assess any joint damage
• Recommend reconstructive surgery if the injury is severe or leaves scars

Take antibiotics if prescribed by your doctor. This will help reduce the risk of infection. Antibiotics are typically prescribed for more severe bites, especially for individuals with weakened immune systems due to conditions such as diabetes, HIV, or chemotherapy. Your doctor may prescribe the following medications:

• Cefalexin
• Doxycycline
• Co-Amoxiclav
• Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride
• Metronidazole

Check the cat's vaccination status. Cats that haven't been vaccinated may carry diseases and transmit them to the person they bite, which can be very dangerous.

• If it is someone else's cat, ask the owner about the cat's vaccination history. If it is your own cat, check the records to see when it was last vaccinated.
• Go to the hospital immediately if the cat is a stray or if you cannot determine its vaccination status. Even if the cat appears healthy and you know its vaccination status, you should still see a doctor. Cats can still be infected without showing symptoms.

Get vaccinated if necessary. Cat bites can transmit various diseases. The doctor may recommend vaccinations to prevent the following diseases:

• Rabies. Some animals with rabies may appear weak and foamy at the mouth, but the disease can still spread before symptoms become obvious. If you contract rabies, the doctor will administer a vaccine to prevent it.
• Tetanus. Tetanus is caused by bacteria found in dirt and animal feces. This means that if the wound is dirty or deep, and you haven’t had a tetanus shot in the last 5 years, the doctor will give you a tetanus vaccine to ensure you don't get infected.

Monitor the wound for signs of infection. Go to the hospital immediately if you notice any of the following signs of infection:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Increasing pain
• Pus or discharge coming from the wound
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Fever
• Shivering or chills

Learn to recognize when a cat feels threatened. Cats will bite when they feel the need to protect themselves. If you have a cat, teach children to understand feline body language. When a cat is scared, it will:

• Hiss
• Growl
• Flatten its ears
• Fluff up its fur, making the cat appear larger than normal

Play gently with your cat. Aggressive behavior in cats can occur under the following circumstances:

• When cornered
• If its tail is pulled
• If the cat is held back while trying to escape
• If the cat is startled or in pain
• During playtime. Instead of letting the cat wrestle with your hands or feet, use a string and let the cat chase it.

Avoid contact with stray cats. Stray cats are typically found in cities or towns, but they are not accustomed to interacting with people. Do not pet or embrace them.

• Do not feed stray cats near areas where children are present.
• Cats that are unaccustomed to human contact may react unpredictably.