Are cat bites serious?

Question

When my cat plays, he likes to bite your hands. He's not mean but has this habit. Someone told me if they break skin you have to seek medical attention. Is this true?

Answer 1

If your cat is an indoor cat and is up to date on his vaccines, the chances of catching a serious illness are slim to none. However, cat bites tend to abscess more often than not, so it's quite likely you'll need antibiotics. Cat teeth are small and sharp, the bite is very deep but closes over quickly. So a cat bite is like getting an injection of bacteria. I've been bitten by cats 3 times at work, all of the bites showed signs of infection that same day.

Answer 2

If he isn't vaccinated for Rabies, then it's very serious (like you'll die). However, I assume you are smart enough to have your cat vaccinated. There is something called "Cat Scratch Fever" but I don't know anything about it as I'm not a physcian. Your best bet is to immediately soak your bite with lukewarm water, pour Bactine or Hydrogen Peroxide on it and put Neosporin on it and then cover it with a band-aid so bactieria doesn't get in there (like any open sore). Keep an eye on it. If it starts to get painful, get warm or red or puffy around the bite, seek immediate medical attention. Your best bet, call your family Dr. and tell him/her what happened and if you should be seen! P.S. My kitties have broken my skin too in play and I'm okay but I do take care of the wound and make sure they are all vaccinated (and are not overdue for shots).

Answer 3

Cats carry more germs in their mouths than dogs. Because of the way they bite, a cat bite is more like a puncture wound. So you are more likely to develop an infection from a cat bite than a dog bite. If any cat bite breaks the skin (pet or stray), you should immediately wash it thoroughly, and go to the doctor if you see signs of infection.

PS You might think about training your cat to stop this. If someone else gets bit by your cat, you could be responsible for doctor bills.

Answer 4

If the cat is healthy, you should be OK. You need to treat a cat bite as a puncture wound. Any wound has the possibility of becoming infected, and I believe this is the greatest risk with an animal bite. Every cat bite I have received has become infected to some degree, but I don't know why.

Answer 5

Hi! There's nothing to get worried about. He's your pet cat. Even my cat does that to me and so does my dog. If they are vaccinated against rabies, then you don't have to worry at all. If not, then just wash the wound with cold water and clean it with any good medical solution and let it alone. If it hurts, put bandaid at the most. Every animal (pet) has this habit. It may not be called a habit but it's natural in them. They do this only when they play and are happy. Give a pat to your cat from my side!!

Answer 6

Yes,My cat is healthy and had all his shots,but there mouth is loaded with germs.He bit me on the hand this past summer an i ended up in the hospital for 3 days. I had also cleaned it with soap an put alcohol on it as soon as it happened,went to the Dr the next day,got a antibiotic shot and a prescription to take by mouth,and still ended up in hospital with I-V"S for two days..a bite on the hand is very serious as the infection goes up all the tendons of the hand.

Answer 7

If rabies is a concern, then obviously yes. I'm guessing the cat is vaccinated. Even so, cats have long fangs and lots of bacteria in their mouths. I was bitten deeply by a cat a few years back and my doctor recommended antibiotics and a tetanus shot. But that was deep. If it's just on the surface, clean it well and watch for infection.

Answer 8

If your cat's vaccines and yours are up to date, there is not much danger. However, people react differently to cat bites. I have been seriously bitten by cats before with no consequence, but I have heard of other people who get sick. If your cat seriously bites you, and you worry, it's best to seek medical attention. You will be given a Tetanus shot, your cat will be placed in observation for rabies and that's about it.

Answer 9

Cat scratch fever is real.

It doesn't matter about wether or not everyone has their shots its a bacteria in the cats mouth. You will need to watch the site for redness and infection. If it does get red swells or sensitive you will need to get to your Dr to get on a heavy dose of antibiotics.

Do not use peroxide on the open wound just wash with soap and water.

Answer 10

Cat bites and scratches also are very common, and they are more likely than dog bites to become infected. Cat bites most often involve the hands, followed by the legs, face, and torso. Rabies is rare in cats, but it is more common in cats than in dogs. One infection caused by cat bites or cat scratches is called Cat Scratch Disease. It causes enlargement of the lymph nodes* but usually goes away by itself after about three weeks.