How to Treat a Cat Bite on the Hand
Anyone who has ever been bitten by a cat can attest to the pain it causes. Cats have very small, pointy, and sharp teeth that puncture skin quite easily. Bites on the hand are common because an aggressive or scared cat may bite as it is being picked up or stroked. Cat bites should be taken seriously because infections are common and, in rare cases, could be life threatening.
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Things You'll Need
- Antibacterial soap
- Warm water
- Antiseptic solution
- Clean towels
- Antiseptic ointment
- Sterile bandage
Instructions
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Wash the area immediately with soap and warm water. An antibacterial soap is preferable. This will remove any dirt and saliva that may be in the wound. Wash for several minutes, making sure to scrub the area thoroughly. Rinse until all of the soap is gone.
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2
Pour an antiseptic solution, such as iodine or hydrogen peroxide, over the bite on your hand.
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3
Apply firm pressure to the bite with a clean towel or gauze to stop any bleeding.
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Apply an antibiotic ointment, such as Neosporin, to the wound, and cover the bite with a sterile bandage.
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Keep your hand elevated above your heart. This will help to control swelling and prevent infection.
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Call your doctor. The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends contacting a doctor about any cat bites due to the frequency of infections from feline bites. Your doctor may wish to examine the wound for any tissue damage and signs of infection. After his assessment, he may prescribe an antibiotic. He also may administer a tetanus shot if it has been longer than five years since your last shot.
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Investigate the biting cat. If the cat that bit you was not your own, try to find out if the cat is up to date on his shots, particularly rabies. If you know the owner, ask them for the cat's shot history. If the cat was a stray, contact your local animal control so they can attempt to locate the cat to test it for rabies. If the cat cannot be found, your doctor may recommend you receive a series of rabies shots.
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Tips & Warnings
To prevent cat bites, never leave small children alone with a cat.
Avoid stray or unfamiliar sick animals.
Don't get between fighting animals.
Those with certain medical conditions, such as circulatory problems or HIV/AIDS, or people who have had their spleens removed are at a high risk to develop potentially fatal infections from even minor wounds. If you fall into this category, don't hesitate to seek medical help as soon as you are bitten.
