Cat Bite
A cat bite may come as a surprise to cat owners who are used to the loving caresses of their cherished pets. It is easy to forget that cute little kitty is a highly evolved carnivore whose teeth are needle-sharp and made for rending flesh. A cat bite can turn into a serious medical problem, although most cat bites are relatively minor and can be treated at home. Here are some things you should know about cat bites and how to treat a cat bite.
A cat bite in itself can be painful, though not necessarily harmful. But infection and complications can set in making the bite a serious affair. Avoiding cat bites is the best remedy, but if that fails learn how to care for a cat bite so you can stay safe and healthy.
A cat bite usually happens during rough and tumble play with a cat. One should avoid wrestling with a cat or rubbing it vigorously. When startled by a sudden, seemingly violent touch, a cat may perceive that it is being attacked and respond instinctively by biting or scratching. Sudden, threatening movements even when one is not in contact with a cat can also trigger an attack. So can loud noises, like shouting at kitty to get off the kitchen table. Cats have hair-trigger reactions so it is best to be quiet and gentle with them.
A cat bite is usually sudden and swift. A cat bite often consists of a fast snap that leaves puncture wound which can range from very superficial to up to half an inch deep. If the victim jerks away from the attack, the cat’s sharp teeth can rake the skin and leave parallel wounds of varying depth. Seldom does a cat bite result in loss of flesh or skin.
A cat bite is sometimes like any other puncture wound. There is a danger of infection because the wound is narrow and blood cannot flow freely to flush bacteria out of the wound. But if the wound is shallow, it can be treated at home by flushing the wound with cool water, washing it with soap, applying a topical over-the-counter antibiotic cream, and protecting it with a sterile bandage. The dressing should be changed daily. When the dressing is changed, the wound should be checked for signs of infection (redness, swelling, and/or oozing yellowish pus). Antibiotic cream should be applied before the wound is dressed again.
A cat bite tends to get infected about 40 percent of the time. This is a higher incidence than in other, similar wounds. One reason a cat bite gets infected more often is because cats' mouths harbor particularly virulent bacteria. Vets are not sure why, although some theorize that the bacteria come from fleas. So one way to decrease the odds of an infected cat bite is to make sure your cat remains clean of fleas. Flea collars and other flea treatments are recommended for every cat, for the cat’s health as well as that of its human owner(s). Note that the bacteria themselves do the cat no harm; they exist in the cat’s mouth without causing any ill effects.
A cat bite, even when it gets infected, is not a very serious injury for most people. But a cat bite can result in serious complications for persons whose immune systems are compromised, or who have poor blood circulation. Such persons are advised to seek immediate medical treatment for even a minor cat bite.
