How to Treat a Cat Bite

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Treat a Cat Bite

As many as 40 percent of cat bites become infected and require medical care. If you were to get bitten by a cat you should immediately clean the bite with a disinfectant and monitor it closely so that it doesn't get infected. If in doubt, always visit a doctor to be safe.

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Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Clean the wound immediately with soap and water, rubbing alcohol, or hydrogen peroxide.
Step 2

Put pressure on the wound to stop the bleeding.
Step 3

Hold the wound above your heart if the bite is on your hand or arm.
Step 4

Place a clean bandage over the wound.
Step 5

Assess the wound for signs of infection: unusual redness or swelling, increasing warmth in the area, red streaking, or fever. See a doctor if signs of infection develop.
Step 6

Get a tetanus shot if your primary series is incomplete or if it has been more than five years since your last shot.
Step 7

Determine the rabies vaccine status of the cat. The cat should be observed for 15 days to see if it develops signs of rabies if its vaccine status is uncertain.

Tips & Warnings

Rabies is a virus that can be fatal if a vaccine is not administered in time.
Seek medical care if the wound is gaping, if bleeding does not stop within 15 minutes, or if you have specific medical conditions or concerns. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

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Comments

krista-b said

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on 10/14/2009 I got bit by a weird stray kitty a few says ago. The wound is not very serious but for some reason it got all bruised around it. Now two says later its still twitching weirdly and throbs quite a bit. Should I be worried?

lolipopjuli said

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on 9/27/2009 well i just got bit by my cat today and i put hydrogen peroxide and it felt much better!!

crazy4honda said

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on 8/20/2009 I've been bitten deeply on my hands and fingers many times and have never had a problem. Most people who have issues with cat bites have weak/compromised immune systems and/or poor genetics (not well bred; coming from poor stock). These are also the same people you see bathing in Purell hand sanitizer everywhere they go.

I credit my stellar immune system to living in Mexico for 2 years (Yes, I drank the water).

ryanvoc said

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on 8/13/2009 Make sure the cat doesnt have rabies also. They said that most indoor cats if they remain indoors and not allowed to go out they most likely dont have rabies

ryanvoc said

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on 8/13/2009 Guys, sorry for saying this site was funny. I read more of the blog and feel bad about that. I was just laughing at the guy who started the entry saying "My cat bit me today" and the woman that said her brother is very annoying etc. Those were funny posts, the rest were not. In any event, I read a doctors journal on cat bites and they said number 1, debride the wound immediately (Hydrogen Peroxide) than wash it out. If your over 50 and have a immuno deficiency issue go to the doctor immediately. Sorry again, this isnt funny.