How to Treat a Bite from a Feral Cat
Every year cats and kittens are dumped in the wild and at the side of the road or worse. These cats form colonies and spend their time looking for food and shelter as well as reproducing. Because the animals are not spayed or neutered and have a fast reproductive cycle, colonies of feral cats can quickly become a problem in parks and cities. There are many instances in which you could receive a bite from a feral cat, from trapping, helping an injured animal or simply coming across one in an enclosed area. Here's what to do:
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Instructions
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Attempt to secure the cat. If you can trap the cat in a room or enclosed space, keep it there. Stay away from the cat so no further injury arises.
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Stop the bleeding. If the cat bite broke the skin, apply pressure to stop the bleeding.
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Once the bleeding as stopped, wash the wound with warm water and soap. Make sure to rinse all the soap from the wound. You can apply hydrogen peroxide to assist with cleansing.
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Apply antibiotic ointment if available. Use a light coat over the wound.
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Cover the wound. Use a clean, dry bandage. Do not use fabrics with fibers than can get in the wound.
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Once the wound has been tended to, call animal control. They will need to test the cat for rabies and other diseases. Do not attempt to transport the cat yourself.
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See your doctor. If the cat cannot be caught and tested, you will have to undergo rabies treatment. Rabies is always fatal in humans if left untreated. You may require stitches and/or oral antibiotics.
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Tips & Warnings
Always attempt to capture the cat involved in the bite.
Always call Animal Control as soon as injuries have been taken care of.
Never attempt to pet or approach a feral cat.
