Cat bites usually occur when cat owners are bitten by their pet. Even if your cat has received all of its vaccinations, you should take care of the wound and monitor it closely to identify any possible infection right away. Cats have long teeth and their bites can be deep, which increases the risk of infection
Cleaning superficial bites at home
Assess the severity of the injury. In some cases, cats bite as a warning without causing any apparent injury, but in others, they sink their teeth deep into the skin..
- Examine the bite and see if his teeth have broken through your skin.
- Even if the injury is superficial, a child who is bitten may start to scream and become frightened.
Wash the bite. You can wash and clean the bite yourself if the cat's teeth didn't break through your skin or if the injury remained superficial..
- Use soap and tap water to thoroughly clean the bite. Let the water wash away dirt and bacteria by letting it run over the wound for a few minutes.
- Gently press on the bite to stimulate blood circulation and flush out dirt and bacteria.
Disinfect the wound. Pour disinfectant onto a sterile cotton ball and wipe the bite. It may sting, but only for a few moments. For germs, you can use :
- isopropyl alcohol
- povidone-iodine
- hydrogen peroxide
Use an over-the-counter antibiotic cream. Apply a small amount of antibiotic cream to the bite site to prevent infection..
- Triple antibiotic ointments are widely available and can be used. Always read and follow the instructions provided.
- For young children or pregnant women, ask a doctor's advice before using these products.
Protect the wound. Use a clean bandage to cover the wound and protect it from dirt and bacteria.
- Typically, cat bites only cover a small area and an over-the-counter adhesive bandage should do the trick.
- To help the bandage stick, first dry the bite.
Get medical attention for a serious bite
Go to a doctor. If the injury is serious and cannot be treated at home, go to a doctor. A serious injury is when :
- the injury is on the face
- the cat's teeth penetrated deep into the skin
- the wound is bleeding profusely
- there is damaged tissue that needs to be removed
- the injury is located on the joints, ligaments or tendons
Ask about possible treatments. Depending on the type of bite and your health, the doctor may :
- close the wound to stop the bleeding
- remove dead tissue to prevent infections
- take an x-ray to assess joint damage
- recommend reconstructive surgery in cases of severe damage or risk of scarring
Take antibiotics. If your doctor prescribes antibiotics, take them to prevent infection. Antibiotics are often prescribed for serious bites, especially for people with weakened immune systems due to diabetes or HIV, or those undergoing chemotherapy. Your doctor may prescribe: :
- cephalexin
- doxycycline
- amoxicillin/clavulanic acid
- ciprofloxacin hydrochloride
- metronidazole
Determine the risks of disease transmission
Make sure your cat is up to date on vaccinations. Unvaccinated cats can catch diseases that can be transmitted through their bites and are dangerous to humans. .
- If the cat isn't yours, ask its owner if it's up to date on its vaccinations. If it's your cat, try to remember the date of its last vaccination.
- If the cat is feral or you're unsure if it's up to date on its vaccinations, seek immediate medical attention even if it appears healthy. It's entirely possible for a cat to be carrying a disease without showing any symptoms.
Get vaccinated if necessary. Cat bites can transmit several diseases, which your doctor will recommend you be vaccinated against..
- Rabies . Rabid animals often show distinctive signs of the disease (e.g., drooling), but they can be contagious even before symptoms become visible. Your doctor will vaccinate you against rabies if there is a risk of infection..
- Tetanus . This disease is caused by a bacteria that lives in dirt and animal feces. If your wound looks dirty or deep and you have not been vaccinated against tetanus within the last 5 years, your doctor will vaccinate you to prevent the risk of infection
Look for signs of infection. See a doctor immediately if you experience the following signs of infection: :
- redness
- swelling
- an increasingly strong pain
- pus or fluid oozing from the wound
- swollen lymph nodes
- fever
- chills and tremors
Avoiding cat bites
Learn to recognize a cat that feels threatened . Cats generally only bite when they think they have to defend themselves. If you have cats at home, teach children about their body language. A cat that feels threatened may:
- whistle
- growl
- press one's ears against one's head
- to raise one's hairs to appear more imposing
Be kind to cats. A cat becomes aggressive:
- when he is backed into a corner
- when you pull on its tail
- when he is held back while trying to escape
- when he is scared or hurt
- during rough play, so rather than letting him struggle with your hands and feet, drag a string and let him chase it
Avoid stray cats. You'll find stray cats in every city, but they're not used to humans, so avoid petting or picking them up.
- Avoid feeding stray or feral cats in areas frequented by children.
- Cats that are not used to humans are unpredictable.
Advice
- If you experience any side effects or symptoms of illness, consult a doctor without hesitation.
Tags
Personal Care