Cat bite – how dangerous is it?

While a scratch is often harmless, a cat bite can be dangerous. We explain how to act in the event of a bite and why it is always advisable to see a doctor.

It happened quickly: the cute house tiger bites while playing and romping, often without bad intentions. The sharp fangs are stuck in the skin and it starts to bleed. Many cat owners dismiss this as a normal injury – similar to scratch marks. However, a cat bite should always be checked out by a doctor. Left untreated, a bite can become an emergency.

What makes a cat bite so dangerous?

Cats have various germs and bacteria in their saliva. Through a bite, these get into the wound or the bloodstream, so that they can cause inflammation. In deep wounds in particular, there is often only little oxygen, so that bacteria that do not depend on oxygen have an easy time. The so-called anaerobes can lead to swelling of the lymph nodes and ducts and blood poisoning , in which the germs cause meningitis or bone inflammation. Pathogens that trigger tetanus or rabies can also be transmitted. Look in your vaccination card to see when the last vaccinations were and refresh them as a precaution!

Cat bite: recognize signs of inflammation

  • local overheating
  • redness
  • pain
  • swelling
  • limited function
  • Leaking of bloody secretions or pus

Cat bit: what to do?

Sometimes it happens that cat owners, but also strangers, do not really know the warning signals of the cat or even overlook them. So it can quickly happen that the animal bites. This happens above all when playing, romping or when the animal is annoyed or annoyed. Since, according to statistics, every second cat bite becomes infected, you should definitely see a doctor. To reduce the risk, be sure to provide first aid!

  1. Clean
    the wound If the wound bleeds only slightly, clean it carefully with tap water and, if necessary, some pH-neutral soap. If the wound is bleeding profusely, apply a pressure bandage with several sterile pads. Wrap the stack with gauze and place an unopened packet on the spot. Wrap the rest of the gauze bandage tightly around the wrapper. If the bleeding cannot be stopped, call emergency services.
  2. Disinfecting
    skin disinfectant eliminates bacteria in the wound. But be careful: the sterilium can burn the wound.
  3. Cover the wound in a sterile
    manner To avoid infection by bacteria, you should cover the bite wound to avoid germs. A sterile wound dressing and a gauze bandage do the trick. Both are available in pharmacies.
  4. Immobilizing the injury
    Bacteria can multiply when you become physically active, especially with deeper bites. Take care of the injured body region. With the help of a triangular cloth you can z. B. put on an arm sling and immobilize the injury if it is on the hand or arm.
  5. See a doctor as
    soon as possible A cat bite always carries a high risk of infection, which is why you should always see a doctor, even if the injury is only minor.

This is how you can prevent a cat bite

Of course you can’t always avoid a cat bite – but it helps immensely if you can correctly interpret a cat’s behavior and recognize possible warning signs. The following measures also help to prevent a cat bite:

  1. Cats like to bite when frightened. Always remain calm around a cat and make yourself known when approaching.
  2. You should only touch strange cats if you trust the animal and the owner allows it. Let the cat sniff your hand. This takes away the initial suspicion and shows the cat that you don’t mean any harm to it.
  3. Always keep an eye on typical warning signals such as twitching of skin muscles and tail, flattening of ears, bristling of fur and hissing.
  4. Particular caution is required when dealing with a cat that has just given birth. Their protective instinct is then particularly pronounced.

Crystal Waston MD

Crystal Waston has a degree in Cross Media Production and Publishing. At vital.de she gives everyday tips and deals with topics related to women's health, sport, and nutrition.

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