Most cat bites occur when the owner is bitten by their pet. Even if your cat is regularly given all vaccinations, it is important to take care of the wound and check it closely for signs of infection. Cats have long teeth, so the bite can be deep and susceptible to infection.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Cleaning Minor Bites at Home
Step 1. Check the severity of the injury
Sometimes cats just take a warning bite without injuring the skin, but in other cases they may puncture deep tissue with their teeth.
- Check the bite and look for areas where the skin has been torn.
- A baby may cry and be frightened, even if the skin is completely intact.
Step 2. Wash off a minor bite
If the teeth have not cut the skin or the lesion is superficial, then you can proceed with a washing and cleaning at home.
- Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water, letting the water run abundantly over the cut to get rid of bacteria and dirt. Hold the bite area under running water for several minutes.
- Gently squeeze the skin to release blood. doing so removes the dirt and bacteria that are inside the wound.
Step 3. Disinfect the bite to prevent bacteria or other pathogens from proliferating
Put some disinfectant on a sterile cotton ball, then rub it all over the wound area. You will likely feel a burning sensation, but only for a few moments. Here are some chemical solutions with excellent germicidal properties:
- Denatured alcohol.
- Povidone iodine.
- Hydrogen peroxide.
Step 4. Avoid infections by applying an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment
Spread a small amount on the affected area.
- Triple action antibiotic creams are widely available and effective. Always read and respect the instructions you find on the product leaflet.
- If you are pregnant or need to medicate a baby, always ask your doctor for advice before applying antibiotic ointment.
Step 5. Protect the wound with a plaster
This prevents dirt or bacteria from getting into the cut during the healing process. Cover any areas where the skin is torn with a clean patch.
- Since bites generally affect a limited area, you will likely be able to cover the entire area with just one patch.
- Remember to dry the skin to allow the adhesive to adhere.
Part 2 of 4: Seeing a Doctor for Severe Bites
Step 1. Go to the emergency room right away if the bite appears too severe to be treated properly at home
This is valid for bites that:
- They are located on the face.
- They caused deep puncture wounds.
- They bleed a lot and the bleeding doesn't stop.
- They have damaged tissues that need to be removed.
- They are localized on joints, ligaments or tendons.
Step 2. Discuss treatment options with your doctor
Based on the specific type of wound and your health condition, your doctor may suggest you:
- Suture the wound to stop the bleeding.
- Remove dead tissue to avoid infection.
- Get an x-ray to check for damage to your joints.
- Undergo reconstructive surgery if you have sustained severe damage or are at risk of disfiguring scars.
Step 3. Take antibiotics if your doctor prescribes them for you
This way you reduce the risk of infection. These medications are often prescribed in cases of cat bites, especially if the victim has a weak immune system due to diseases such as diabetes, HIV, or for chemotherapy. Your doctor may prescribe you:
- Cefalexin.
- Doxycycline.
- Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid.
- Ciprofloxacin.
- Metronidazole.
Part 3 of 4: Assessing the Contagion Risk
Step 1. Try to understand the cat's health
Unvaccinated specimens can become infected with various diseases and transmit them in turn through bites. These are serious diseases for humans.
- If it is a domestic cat, ask the owner for information to find out if they have been vaccinated regularly. If your cat is your property, check its veterinary record for the date of the last vaccination.
- If the cat is stray, feral, or you can't tell if it is being vaccinated, then go to the emergency room right away. Even if the pet appears to be healthy, but you are not sure if it is vaccinated, you should still have the bite undergo medical supervision. The cat may still be a healthy carrier of some disease.
Step 2. Get vaccinated if needed
People who are bitten by cats are at risk for several diseases. Your doctor may recommend that you give injections against:
- Rabies: Although some rabid animals appear clearly ill (including the classic symptom of drooling), the disease can be transmitted before it becomes symptomatic. If there is any chance that you may have been exposed to the virus responsible, then your doctor will want to vaccinate you.
- Tetanus: This disease is caused by a bacterium found in soil and animal feces. This means that if the wound is dirty or deep and you haven't had a booster in the past 5 years, then your doctor will give you an injection to make sure you don't develop this condition.
Step 3. Check the wound for signs of infection
Go to the emergency room immediately if you notice these signs:
- Redness.
- Swelling.
- Increased pain.
- Presence of pus or other fluids coming out of the wound.
- Swelling of the lymph nodes.
- Fever.
- Chills and tremors.
Part 4 of 4: Preventing Cat Bites
Step 1. Know when cats feel threatened
Most felines attack when they feel they need to defend themselves. If you have cats as pets, teach your children to understand the body language of these animals. A frightened cat could:
- Making hisses.
- Growl.
- Flatten the ears on the head.
- Showing signs of piloerection, i.e. lifting and inflating the fur in an attempt to appear larger.
Step 2. Be gentle when petting cats
Common situations in which a cat can become aggressive are:
- When he feels his back to the wall.
- When its tail is pulled.
- When he is held back and fights to free himself.
- When he is taken by surprise or injured.
- During rough games. Instead of allowing the cat to "wrestle" with your hands or feet, drag a string and let the cat chase it.
Step 3. Don't interact with stray cats
These animals often live in urban centers, but they are not used to close contact with humans. Don't try to caress or pick them up.
- Do not feed stray or feral cats in areas where they may come into contact with children.
- Cats that are not used to the presence of humans can react unpredictably.
