Content

• Steps

Most cat owners have been bitten by a cat. However, even if your cat has been fully vaccinated, it is important to take care of the bite and keep it regularly monitored so that you can immediately detect if the bite becomes inflamed. Cats have long fangs so their bites will be deep and can cause infection.

Steps

Part 1 of 4: Cleaning minor bites at home

1. 

   Evaluate the severity of the bite. Sometimes the cat will only leave a trail of loose teeth without tearing the skin, but sometimes the bite will leave a hole due to the canines.
   • Examine the bite and see if any skin has been torn.
   • Children may be scared and cry even when the bite is not deep.

2. 

   
   
   Wash the bite lightly. If your cat's teeth have not broken the skin or created an open wound but are relatively deep, you can clean the bite at home.
   • Wash the bite wound with soap and clean water. Place the bite under running water for a few minutes to wash away any dirt and bacteria inside.
   • Squeeze the bite gently to help circulation. This also helps to remove dirt and bacteria inside the wound.

3. 

   
   
   Sterilize the wound to prevent bacteria or germs from forming. Put the antiseptic on a clean cotton ball and then gently apply it to the bite. This will feel painful but will not last. The following chemicals have high antiseptic properties:
   • Rubbing alcohol
   • Iodine cleaning solution
   • Hydrogen peroxide

4. 

   
   
   Avoid infection for minor bites by applying an over-the-counter antibiotic cream. Take a pea-sized amount of antibiotic cream and apply it over the affected area.
   • 3-in-1 antibiotic cream is widely available and also very effective. Read and follow the instructions printed on the packaging.
   • Talk to your doctor before giving medication to an infant or pregnant woman.

5. 

   Protect the wound with a bandage. This will prevent dirt and bacteria, helping the wound heal. Protect the damaged skin with a clean bandage.
   • Since cat bites are usually small, you can cover them with a bandage, available over the counter.
   • Dry the bite first to make the bandage stick for a longer time.
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Part 2 of 4: Dealing with a serious bite in hospital

1. 

   See a doctor if the bite is too severe and you cannot take care of yourself properly. These are the following bites:
   • Stay on the face
   • The wound created a deep hole due to the bite of the cat's fangs
   • Bleeding a lot and doesn't stop
   • The tissue is torn and needs to be disposed of.
   • The bite is on a joint, ligament, or tendon

2. 

   Talk to your doctor about how to care for the wound. Depending on the severity of the wound and your medical condition, your doctor will:
   • Sew the wound so it stops bleeding
   • Remove dead tissue so that the wound does not become inflamed
   • X-ray to assess joint damage
   • Recommend reconstructive surgery if you have severe damage or scarring.

3. 

   Take an antibiotic if your doctor tells you to. This will reduce the risk of infection. Antibiotics are often prescribed when the bite is severe, especially if a person has a weak immune system due to diabetes, HIV or chemotherapy. Your doctor will prescribe the following drugs:
   • Cefalexin
   • Doxycycline
   • Co-Amoxiclav
   • Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride
   • Metronidazole
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Part 3 of 4: Determining the risk of an infectious disease

1. 

   Determine the immune status of the cat. Unvaccinated cats can become infected and infect someone who has been bitten by a cat, which is very dangerous.
   • If it is someone's pet cat, ask the breeder about vaccinations. If it's your cat, check the records to see when the cat was last vaccinated.
   • Get to the hospital right away if the cat is a feral cat or you are unable to determine the cat's vaccination status. Even if your cat looks healthy and you can confirm the vaccination status of your cat, you should still see your doctor. Your cat may still be sick but not show any symptoms yet.

2. 

   Get vaccinated if needed. A person who is bitten by a cat can contract many diseases. Your doctor will recommend vaccinations against the following diseases:
   • Rabies. Some animals with rabies may look sick with foam on the mouth, but the disease can still be contagious before symptoms become apparent. If you have rabies, your doctor will give you a shot 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 have not had a tetanus shot in 5 years, your doctor will give you an injection to make sure you are not infected.

3. 

   Follow the wound for signs of infection. Get to the hospital right away if you have any of the following signs of infection:
   • Redness
   • Swelling
   • The pain gradually increased
   • Pus or water coming from the wound
   • Swollen lymph
   • Fever
   • Feeling cold and shivering
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Part 4 of 4: To avoid being bitten by a cat

1. 

   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 your child to understand her body language. When a cat is scared:
   • Hissed
   • Growl
   • Ear crash
   • Ruffled, which is all hair raised, making the cat appear larger than usual

2. 

   Play with the cat gently. Cases of cats becoming aggressive include:
   • When cornered
   • When the cat is pulled its tail
   • If the cat is restrained trying to escape
   • If the cat is startled or hurt
   • While playing. Instead of letting the cat grapple with your arms or legs, pull on a string and let the cat chase.

3. 

   Avoid contact with stray cats. Wild cats are usually located in cities or towns, but they are not used to people. Do not pet or hug them.
   • Do not feed stray cats where children are present.
   • Cats that are not used to people will have an unpredictable reaction.
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