How to Treat a Bite From a Feral Cat

As warm weather approaches, many of us hear the outdoor calling. We want to enjoy the sun and spend more time outdoors. Be aware that there are all kinds of dangers that can cause you harm. Even taking safety precautions such as wearing long sleeves and light clothes to prevent against insect and bee bites can’t prepare you for an animal bite. If you happen to come across a feral animal, it is easy to see that their behavior is unpredictable at best. Some feral animals are not timid when they come in contact with human beings. Yet others may act aggressive when a human being approaches. A feral cat may bite if it feels frightened, threatened or nervous. If you are bitten by a feral cat, the following steps will help to ensure a positive outcome.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Gauze
• Cloth if gauze is not available
• Soap
• Anti-biotic ointment

1. Determine if you have been bitten by a feral animal. You may have pain as well as have the following signs. The bite will show teeth marks and tearing of the skin. Bleeding can also occur if the skin is torn open. You will also see bruising around the area.

2. Control bleeding by applying pressure to the wound with gauze. If none is available, use a cloth. If this material becomes soaked with blood, then add another layer of gauze or material. Go to the nearest hospital or call 911 if the bleeding is severe. You may need sutures to repair the wound. Plastic surgery may also be necessary depending if the damage is severe.

3. If the bleeding is not severe and has stopped, proceed with cleansing of the bite. It is important that you clean the wound with soap and water. This helps to rid the site of bacteria from the animal’s mouth. Flush the wound with large amounts of water. Even if the bite has punctured the skin, thorough cleansing is of the utmost importance and can not be overstated

4. Apply a generous amount of antibiotic ointment to the wound. This will help to prevent infection.

5. Apply a cold pack to help with swelling as bites can be very painful. This will help with the swelling.

6. Take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory to reduce inflammation at the site. This will also help ease your pain.

7. If it has been more than ten years since your last tetanus injection, go to the nearest emergency room.

8. There is a chance that the animal that bit you could have rabies. Rabies is transferred through the saliva of the feral cat. Report the bite to your local animal control agency so they can determine if the cat has rabies. If your community does not have an animal control agency, then call your police department.

9. Be on alert for signs of infection that may include pain, pus, redness and swelling at the site. This usually occurs within 24 to 72 hours after you have been bitten. Call your physician and he may prescribe antibiotics.

Tips & Warnings

• Always report bites to minimize the chance that someone else may be bitten from the same animal. Your local animal control agency is best equipped to handle animals that are aggressive.
• If there is not a way to tell if the animal is rabid, then you may need several injections to prevent this disease.
• Teach your children at a young age to avoid strange animals.

[rodneysouthern]

on 7/24/2008 Very good information. Outstanding job on this.