Cat Bite Prevention and Care

If you've been bitten by an animal, especially by a beloved pet, it is an experience you'll never forget. Unfortunately, the fear you may feel around animals could last a lifetime. But there are steps you can take to avoid, recognize and treat future bites - cat bites in particular.

Recognizing the Signs

Cats who are frightened or feel threatened usually - but not always - assume a distinct position. They crouch with their ears laid back, their tails curl inward and they tilt their bodies away from the perceived threat. They will initially growl, hiss, and use their claws- lashing out if you are not in striking distance.

If you are unlucky enough to be holding them at the time of a serious bite, they probably have given you these same warnings, especially using their claws to scratch you before feeling the need to bite. Some felines may even give a "gentle" warning bite before getting down to serious business if not released.

On rare occasions, kitty may not give any indication that they are going to bite. During such instances, the reason the cat attacked you with their teeth may never be known by you, but rest assured, the feline had their reason.

Cleaning the Wound

An adult cat's teeth are thin and sharp, so the wounds they cause are likely to be puncture wounds. These types of injuries can reach into joints and bones and introduce bacteria deep into the human tissue. Puncture wounds are very difficult to clean, because they are so deep, therefore a lot of bacteria may be left in the wound.

Also, most cat bites are to the hand, which makes infection more likely. Cats naturally harbor a bacteria in their mouth called Pasteurella multocida, which can trigger serious infections.

It is extremely important to clean the wound immediately so the chance of infection is less likely - though still possible. First, scrub the wound (yes, it will hurt) as thoroughly as you can with warm-to-hot soapy water. Then, put an antibiotic cream on the wound and bandage it securely.

At this point, it is probably best to visit your doctor. All animal (and human) mouths are dirty and full of bacteria. This is especially true of felines. If you haven't had a tetanus shot in a while (to be determined by your doctor), you will probably need one. Assuming the cat has had its rabies shots, your physician will most likely put you on a cycle of oral antibiotics and require a follow-up appointment.

Avoiding Future Bites

If a cat is unknown to you, such as a stray or feral cat, you should use extra precautions since the cat may be scared of strangers and panic. Since animals can't speak, they have to communicate their feelings in other ways. For example, a sick or injured cat may not be able to get your attention unless you pick the kitty up to pet it, and to tell you he is sick, he bites you to indicate he is in pain. So, always keep that in mind when kitty bites you for reasons unknown to you.

If a cat is frightened for any reason, it is best to stay away until he calms down. Bothering a scared cat is a sure way to get bitten. Finally, if a cat continues this behavior, a trip to the veterinarian is your best bet because a physical or psychological problem could be causing the aggression.

Remember, well-adjusted, healthy cats never bite the hand that feeds them . . .