How to 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.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

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

2. Put pressure on the wound to stop the bleeding.

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

4. Place a clean bandage over the wound.

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.

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

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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[southernbelle13]

on 6/10/2009 I had a bad cat bite last year by a stray cat that I was taking care of. Blood was squirting out and it was really swollen and then colorful and painful as it healed. Was given augmintin also and was told it would give massive diarrhea but it didn't at all...did anyone else get it? lol.

[sombermoon]

on 4/13/2009 At Tigerbites: Your cat bit you because he was in an aggressive situation with another cat, trying to protect his territory lines. You either startled him, or he saw you as a threat in this situation because you were trying to thwart his efforts to protect his territory. Plus, cats occasionally bite - that's just the way it is. If you're honestly considering putting your cat to sleep just because he bit you once, then you are without a doubt one of the most irresponsible pet owners I have ever encountered. Also, if he hasn't been neutered (it sounds like he hasn't), then you should have him neutered, as it will likely make him less aggressive and territorial.

[tigerbites]

on 4/7/2009 i was bitten my cat today. he was howling/growling at another cat as he was on the window sill. when i try to bring he down he bit me. his bite punchured my shin and i was scratch badly. it looks like it's going to heal soon. i cleaned it with peroxide and mertodol. now i'm worry about my cat. i love him alot but, i don't know if i can control anymore. he has always been a though cat. for five year we had had our ups and downs. but this time he has bitten me. what are my obtions? to put him to sleep? i know if i put him for abdoption nobody would what to take him. he is an inside cat that acts like an alley cat. who wants that inside their home. poor tiger . what i'm i going to do with him.

[iloveneworleans]

on 4/6/2009 4.6.09 - BITE FROM TINY entry #3: It's been 6 days now. Things are definitely healing up great. This site scared me a lot, let me tell you. I probably won't update again, because I'm going to be just fine. Here's what's going on right now: I've been on Augmentin for 5 days and I've been applying Oregano Oil for 4 days. All bites/scratches are doing well. Oregano Oil is awesome. I used it on a place where I bit the inside of my cheek and it was almost healed in one day. It is very "spicy" as my 2 year old noted, and it burns a bit. Anyway not much of a loose stool with Augmentin, contrary to the doctor's warning. And I will definitely use Oil of Oregano from here on out on just about any wound. Good luck to anyone reading this, because you were probably recently attacked by a cat!!! Take a deep breath, get some oil of oregano, get some augmentin, and don't kill the cat.

[iloveneworleans]

on 4/2/2009 4.2.09 - BITE FROM TINY entry #2: Woke up with wounds looking about the same as last night - a bit swollen and painful, but not too bad. One change, however, was that the skin around the punctures had turned kind of brown and my leg bite has deep bruising, quite colorful. The doctor gave me a prescription for Augmentin - per my suggestion - 875mg 2x daily, which, he said causes major diarrhea, by the way, fyi!!! We'll see!! I asked him what it would take for him to prescribe IV, or Hand surgeon, or draining. He said that my bite wounds would need to be much more swollen. He was concerned and said that things can go backward or forward with these wounds. He said to watch and report back with whether it was getting better or worse in 3 days or as soon as I could tell. Will keep you posted!!!