I posted the other day about my cat that bit me. People said use ice because it fells really tight. But when I used ice it hurt even worse. And today it's a little red around the area of the bite. I have it rapped up in a ace bandage and all but I cannot use it at all. it hurts when I move it. We have put medication on it and all. It's to small to need stiches but it worries me about the placement of it and the redness of it. It's on the bone to your index finger and one of the three bites (one on the bottem) is really deep. It's the one on the bone so I'm worried that maybe he hurt the bone or something.
So my question is, should I be worried of this? people said watchout for redness and all but I wanted to make sure. Should I go see the doctor? I don't want to because they have to report the cat bite and I could lose my cat.
What should I do about the bite and how should I take care of it?
Thanks!
2007-01-28 04:59:38 · 10 answers · asked by Jewel 1 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Injuries
Go to a doctor and tell them that you tried to pick up a stray..but go to a doctor.. soon.. it sounds like you have an infection and ignoring it and home rememdies at this point wont work.. especially if it is close to the bone. that means the infection can get into your blood stream a lot faster and you could lose the finger or worse..
2007-01-28 05:07:32 · answer #1 · answered by psstoffagain 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Your cat bite sounds like it is getting infected, you need to be on antibiotics,warm soaks to the finger may help with the pain, but don't take this bite lightly, cats have a lot of bacteria in their mouths, that can cause infection, and 1 thing you dint want is blood poison, so i suggest , you see a doctor , about it. I dont think you will loose your cat over this, BE SAFE, SEE YOUR DOCTOR.
2007-01-28 05:30:23 · answer #2 · answered by crickettmc2001 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cat's teeth have a bacteria on them that when it gets in our blood causes an infectious reaction and the valves in our viens clamp down to contain it. It swells like crazy...and hurts bad. You need antibiotics, they will work very fast as it's easy to kill. Be sure to tell the doctor that your cat is healthy and has had it's rabies vaccines, otherwise animal control will require a quarantine for your cat (that's when they hold the cat to observe it for any sign of rabies or disease for a few days). It won't go away on it's own and will get worse without antibiotics.
Hope you feel better soon!
2007-01-28 05:16:58 · answer #3 · answered by fuzzbutt 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Cat bites get infected about 95% of the time. If you were bitten in the hand or fingers, and it is red, swollen and hurts to move, then you not only have an infection, but it might be an infection involving the tendon slip. The problem with that is, there is not a good blood supply to certain parts of your hand and fingers, and an infection can be very serious. Many infected cat bites I've been involved with treating needed to have surgery to open up the infected areas, wash out the infection, leave it open so the pus could drain around the penrose drains left in place. The antibiotics are needed to be given IV, and occasionally more than one operation is needed. Remember, antibiotics can only go to those places the bloodstream will carry them. In a pus pocket, or synovial joint/surface, the blood flow is nil. This needs to be seen and treated NOW as an emergency. If it is your own cat, they will not take it away from you. Don't let that worry stop you from getting the care you need NOW
2007-01-28 07:10:25 · answer #4 · answered by David B 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go to the doctor.
Say it was a friend's cat or a cat some stranger had at the pet store.
2007-01-28 05:05:21 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
You should see the doctor about this as you may need antibiotics. You can mark the area of redness with a pen, if the redness passes past the line will need antibiotics for sure. Doctors and nurses use this method to monitor infections. If you have a fever, chills or aches and pains you should get it looked at.
You could try soaking your hand in warm salt water, as this is an antiseptic, and will clean the wound, it might sting a bit. You don't need a lot of salt, about 1/8 tsp to a medium sized bowl will do.
I can't see them taking your cat away if it's had it's shots. If it goes outside you also need to be concerned about rabies, which left untreated is deadly for both of you. If your cat stays inside they may allow it to be in quarantine at home for 2 weeks. All depends on the by laws in your city.
2007-01-28 05:08:36 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
You need to go and get antibiotics from your doctor.
You won't have to report your cat, you know it well enough to know whether he is making a habit out of it or not.
If you're worried, just tell doc that you were playing with you cat and it got over-excited. Don't worry, and go get it checked out. You need proper dressings on it and antibiotics since your cat's mouth harbours all sorts of bacteria which are now breeding in your hand- yuck!
Please see your doctor :)
2007-01-28 05:30:48 · answer #7 · answered by ♥Pamela♥ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like a very serious infection setting in.
Which would you rather lose, your cat or your arm?
Pretty doubtfult that they would take your cat away just because it bit you. That would only happen if it was a complete nutcase and attacked people for no reason (Although my feeling is that ALL cats are demonically possessed)
2007-01-28 05:11:09 · answer #8 · answered by Bobincan 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
They *have* to report the cat bite? Are you sure about that? I called a physician friend of mine and he says that he's only obligated to treat the injury. He says that he wouldn't even know who to call to report it. So, I can tell you pretty securely that if you need to go to the doctor, just go. Your cat won't be in danger, unless your state laws are different.
One of the main problems is that you've been taking the medical advice of kids and strangers on the Internet rather than just calling an urgent care center for their thoughts. Phone calls are free. Even with that, 99% of the people told you to go to the doctor, yet you didn't and are now back on the computer asking medical advice again. Some of the advice you were given was just terrible (rubbing alcohol and peroxide????), but the "If it hurts that much, go to the doctor," advice was pretty much on the money. If your wound hurts so much that you are that concerned over it, then head to an urgent care clinic.
From the doctor I spoke to:
Ice may or may not do *anything*. It can help reduce swelling, but that really isn't your main concern. The biggest concern is with an infection setting in. Cleaning the wound thoroughly with a gentle soap or betadine type product, applying a neosporin type product, and covering it thoroughly may help to prevent infection. You can also take some ibuprofin to relieve the discomfort. If it begins to appear infected in the next day or two, call your family physician and ask to be seen *right away* - tell them you think you have an infected wound. If they will not fit you in, ask them for info for an urgent care facility.
Good luck to you.
2007-01-28 05:23:25 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Go see the doctor.
2007-01-28 05:07:38 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋