09/11/2025
Even the gentlest cat can bite if startled or frightened โ and sometimes, accidents happen. ๐พ
But did you know that even a small cat bite can cause a serious infection within 24 hours?
Cats have sharp, slender teeth that act like needles, pushing bacteria deep beneath the skin. Because the wound seals quickly, oxygen canโt reach the site โ making it easy for infection to develop.
The main culprit is often Pasteurella multocida, a bacterium found in most catsโ mouths. It can cause redness, swelling, and pain, and in severe cases, infection may spread to tendons or joints.
If you ever get bitten:
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Wash immediately with soap and running water.
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Apply antiseptic such as chlorhexidine, povidone-iodine or saline.
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See a doctor promptly, especially if itโs on your hand, wrist or joints.
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Avoid closing the wound or applying tight bandages.
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Watch for warning signs like redness, swelling, or red streaks.
Accidents happen โ what matters most is knowing how to respond quickly and safely. โค๏ธ
๐ Learn more about responsible feline care and health:
๐ https://valkyrie-cattery.weebly.com
๐ฌ Share this post to help raise awareness โ it could prevent a serious infection.
๐ธ Note: The image in this post was created using AI for educational and illustrative purposes.
๐ References:
American Academy of Family Physicians. (2014) โDog and Cat Bitesโ, American Family Physician, 90(4), pp. 239-243.
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. (2014) 3-Step Management of an Animal Bite. Available at:https://publichealth.lacounty.gov/vet/bite3steps.pdf (Accessed: 9 November 2025).
Sullivan, D. (2024) โCat Bite: Safety, first aid, and seeking helpโ, Medical News Today. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cat-bite (Accessed: 9 November 2025).
Talan, D. A., Citron, D. M., Abrahamian, F. M., Moran, G. J., & Goldstein, E. J. (1999). Bacteriologic analysis of infected dog and cat bites. Emergency Medicine Animal Bite Infection Study Group. The New England journal of medicine, 340(2), 85โ92. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJM199901143400202