First Aid for Cat Bites: Detailed Steps of handling Bites

Last Updated on 30 July 2024, Care Kitties

If you have a cat owner friend or relative, ask them if they have been bitten by a cat or not. Almost everyone will have very good stories about cat biting. It does not have to be too aggressive or bad. But every cat owner goes through this at least once in their pet journey. So it is good to have a basic understanding of what to do if your cat bites you. In this article, we have provided a detailed analysis of what to do after your cat bites you:

Immediate Care for a Cat Bite

Stay Calm: In order not to anger the cat even more and to successfully cope with the situation, try to remain calm. Do not try to pull away the body part; it can cause severe damage to your body. Instead, try to gently remove the cat from your body part.

Wash the wound: Right after the bite, you should rinse the affected area with soap and water. Rinse under clear water and wash gently but firmly for several minutes to carry away bacteria.

Apply Antiseptic: To treat the wound, wash it with some water, then apply iodine or hydrogen peroxide to disinfect the wound.

Cover the wound: Wash the area well and ensure it is protected by a clean bandage or a sterile dressing. Replace it each day or even more frequently if the dressing is wet or stained.

Monitor for signs of Infection

It is possible that even after doing these things, you have become infected. Look for signs of infection, such as:

Increased redness: As a sign of infection, try to detect redness that spreads around the bitten area. A little redness following the bite is normal, but any extension of the sore should be a sign of an infection.

Swelling: See if the skin around the bite starts to puff up. The swelling that rises daily and even after some hours indicates that the area is infected.

Temperature Change: Touch the part of the skin that was bitten. If it feels hot to the touch compared with the rest of the skin, then it is most probably infected. Pain, redness, and splitting—all these are manifested on the same site, especially warmth.

Persistent or Increasing Pain: Take note of the pain. Usually there is some discomfort felt after biting the food, but if the pain proceeds or intensifies, then it may be due to infection.

Throbbing Sensation: Swelling and pain around the infected area feel like throbbing or pulsing; it may be hot to the touch.

Pus: This is usually done by examining for any pus or discharge coming from the wound. It is largely thickened, yellow- or green-colored fluid that is the result of infection in most cases.

Foul Odor: Detect any peculiar or bad odors emanating from the wound, which may also be a sign of an infection.

Systemic Symptoms: Getting a fever, chills, or flu-like symptoms means the infection is moving to other parts of the body.

Sweating and Fatigue: Itching, burning, or redness may also develop on the skin, and they are other signs of a systemic infection such as sweating and fatigue.

Lymphadenopathy: Look for any signs of inflammation of the lymph nodes, especially the near-group nodes such as the neck or armpit nodes. Enlargement of the lymph nodes points to the fact that your body is combating an infection.

Red Streaks: It’s important to search for red lines radiating out from the site of the bite towards the nearest lymph nodes. Such may suggest lymphangitis, a feature of the extension of the infection to lymphatics.

Movement and Sensation: If, for any reason, the area around the bite becomes stiff, difficult to move or numb, then it’s a sign of an infection or a complication.

When to See a Doctor

Rabies Concerns: Following the above first aid, immediately consult a physician if the cat is stray or has not received vaccinations. If the cat is not vaccinated, you may have to deal with rabies, so act quickly. Even if the cat is vaccinated but have not taken all the doses, take the vaccine.

Signs of Infection: You should consult a doctor if you experience any of the symptoms listed above and believe they apply to you.

Deep or Severe Wounds: If the bite is deep, is through the skin, or is causing severe bleeding, then see a doctor right away.

Fever or Malaise: After being bitten by a cat, whether a stray or a cat that belongs to someone you know, if you have fever, Chills or feel like you are ill, then you could be dealing with a system infection.

High-Risk Individuals: Those with low immunity, diabetics or those with peripheral vascular disease should consult a doctor even for minor bites.

Even if you do not find any signs of infection, fever, or rabies concern but do not have a good feeling about the whole situation, you should see a doctor immediately. It is for the betterment of you.

If you want to change the biting habit of your cat, then read this article of ours

So, we hope we have provided a good understanding of what to do if your cat bites you. We hope you can have a bite-free life with your cat!!