The best thing to do for a cat bite that hasn't broken the skin is to gently rinse it then wash it with soap and water. Be on the lookout for potential signs of infection, which we've listed above. If your cat bite has caused a puncture wound, it's best to visit your doctor or our AFC center.
If the wound is not bleeding heavily, clean it with soap and water, and hold it under running water for several minutes. Dry the wound, apply antibiotic ointment, and cover it with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. Call your doctor if the bite or scratch broke or punctured the skin, even if the area is small.
Some cats may gently nibble or bite their owners as a sign of affection. It is thought to be reminiscent of how a mother cat will groom her kittens with small bites and is more common in cats who have had litters.
You should see a physician as soon as possible. Most cat bite wounds are small punctures that drive pathogenic bacteria deep into the skin. Left untreated, a serious infection can develop within twenty-four to forty-eight hours.
Rabies is transmitted only when the virus is introduced into a bite wound, open cuts in skin, or onto mucous membranes such as the mouth or eyes.
Blisters around the bite wound within hours of the bite. Redness, swelling, draining pus, or pain at the bite wound. Fever. Diarrhea and/or stomach pain.
Most skin wounds heal within 10 days. But a human bite wound has a higher risk of getting infected. Look at the bite area each day for the next 4 days for signs of infection (see below). For some types of wounds, an antibiotic will be prescribed.
When your cat nibbles you playfully, she's really offering her affection. This is much different from a fearful or defensive bite that's meant to cause harm, and the feelings behind it are different as well. Love nibbles are a ticklish, funny little quirk of lovable cats.
Most experts currently recommend prophylactic antibiotics for the following situations only: bites with a high risk of infection, such as deep punctures caused by cats; wounds that require surgical repair; attacks involving immunocompromised hosts; and bites involving the hands or face (Table 2) (3,16,17).
If the bite or scratch is bleeding, apply pressure to it with a clean bandage or towel to stop the bleeding. Wash the wound with soap and water under pressure from a faucet for at least 5 minutes. Don't scrub as this may bruise the tissue. Dry the wound and cover it with a sterile dressing.
It's never a good thing when your cat is biting. It's not just painful – it can potentially be dangerous if left unattended. Many cat bites require medical attention and can quickly become infected if left untreated.
When a bite is not on the hand, it can still be dangerous. Certain types of bacteria that are common in cats' mouths, including Pasteurella multocida, can quickly spread to surrounding tissue and even get into the blood stream, resulting in cellulitis and septicemia, which is extremely dangerous.
Adults who are bitten should receive a tetanus vaccine (called a tetanus toxoid vaccine) if the most recent tetanus vaccine was greater than 5 years previously.
Most wounds heal within 10 days. But an infection can occur even with proper treatment. So be sure to check the wound daily for signs of infection (see below).
In elderly patients, especially when affected by other comorbidities, cat bites can lead to local complications or even to a Pasteurella multocida sepsis, the latter being an unusual, albeit severe condition.
Cat love bites are gentle little nips or nibbles and usually don't hurt too much. It's believed that these are learned from mother cats who often give little nibbles or bites to their kittens while grooming them. It's not an aggressive or threatening action at all, but more of a playful nibble.
It probably feels like your four-legged fur baby has got it in for you, but these perceived acts of aggression are actually an indicator of affection. That can be quite difficult to fathom, right? But it's true; they're actually “love bites” rather than a defense mechanism.
a red or dark line extending from the bite. discoloration and swelling appearing around the bite. sores or abscesses on or around the bite. swollen glands (lymph nodes)
Unfortunately, cat bite wounds are a very common injury that I treat. It is imperative that your cat be evaluated by a veterinarian and treated with antibiotics immediately. If left untreated, these wounds can result in serious complications and illness.
When people suspect that their bites are infected, they should go to the ER immediately. It often only takes a few hours for signs of infection to appear. They can get antibiotics and have their bites properly cleaned to keep the infection at bay.
Dog or cat bites are usually minor. Infections can occur if your skin is broken by an animal bite. If you are bitten and the skin is broken, seek medical advice immediately to avoid developing tetanus.