The Hidden Dangers of Cat Bites: What You Need to Know

The Hidden Dangers of cat bites, what you need to know. Cats are often seen as adorable and independent companions, but beneath their cute exterior lies a potential danger that many pet owners overlook: cat bites. While most people associate cat-related injuries with scratches, bites can be far more serious and pose significant health risks.

Recently I unfortunately encountered just such an injury from my own cat Fang.  Poor Fang became overstimulated with company in our home and while I thought he was calm enough to pick up to move he unfortunately was not and his fear took over causing him to scratch and bite my arm.

While the bite marks were very tiny I knew enough about cat bites to go to the Emergency Room.  Here’s some things I knew combined with some things I learned while at the ER

Understanding the Severity of Cat Bites

Cat bites differ from dog bites in several ways, making them particularly dangerous. Cats have sharp, needle-like teeth that can easily penetrate the skin and cause deep puncture wounds. These wounds may appear small and insignificant on the surface. They can inject bacteria deep into the tissue, leading to serious infections.

One of the most common bacteria found in cat bites is Pasteurella multocida. This bacterium can cause an infection that may spread quickly. This can cause symptoms such as redness, swelling, pain, and even fever. If left untreated, the infection can develop into more severe conditions like cellulitis, abscesses, or septicemia, which is a life-threatening blood infection.

Infections can develop in less than 6 hours following a cat bite.  I was seen relatively quickly and was definitely treated before the 6 hour mark and my arm was already showing signs of infection, it was red around the bite area and slightly puffy.

Why Cat Bites Are Often Underestimated

Many people underestimate the severity of cat bites because the wounds may not bleed much and often heal quickly on the surface. However, this quick healing can trap bacteria inside, where they can multiply and cause infections that are not immediately visible. Additionally, the initial pain from a cat bite may not seem severe, leading individuals to neglect seeking medical attention.

Another reason cat bites are underestimated is the misconception that cats have cleaner mouths than other animals. While it’s true that cats groom themselves frequently, their mouths are not sterile. The bacteria in a cat’s mouth can be harmful to humans, especially if introduced directly into the bloodstream through a bite.

While at the ER I had a great discussion with the doctor and his resident regarding statistics of cat bites that lead to infection.  50% of all cat bites will lead to an infection, while only 10% of dog bites will.  This information was very surprising to me as I heard 1 in 3 as the statistic.

The Potential for Serious Health Complications

If not properly treated, cat bites can lead to serious health complications. Some of these include:

1. Infections: As mentioned earlier, the most common complication of a cat bite is an infection. Pasteurella multocida is just one of many bacteria that can be introduced through a bite. Others include Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and even Bartonella henselae, the bacterium responsible for cat scratch fever.
2. Tetanus: Although rare, cat bites can also transmit the bacteria that cause tetanus, especially if the wound is deep and not promptly cleaned.
3. Nerve Damage: The sharp teeth of a cat can penetrate deeply enough to damage nerves, leading to long-term pain or even loss of function in the affected area.
4. Rabies: While the risk of rabies from a cat bite is low, it is still a concern, particularly if the cat’s vaccination status is unknown. Rabies is a fatal disease if not treated immediately.

What to Do If You’re Bitten by a Cat

If you are bitten by a cat, it is crucial to take the following steps:

1. Clean the Wound: Immediately wash the wound with soap and water to remove as much bacteria as possible. Use an antiseptic solution to disinfect the area.
2. Seek Medical Attention: Even if the bite seems minor, it’s essential to see a healthcare provider. They may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection, and in some cases, a tetanus booster may be necessary. In my case I received both these as my tetanus booster was more than 5 years old.  For animal bites if your last booster was more than 5 years ago, even though tetanus booster is every 10 years, the protocol for most hospitals is to give a booster
3. Monitor for Signs of Infection: Keep an eye on the wound for any signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, or pus. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
4. Report the Incident: Whether or not the cat is yours, report the bite to local animal control or public health authorities. This is especially important if there is a concern about rabies. Rabies vaccines are the law.  You should be able to easily locate your cat’s recent vaccination information by calling their veterinarian

Prevention Tips

To reduce the risk of cat bites, consider the following tips:

• Understand Feline Behavior: Learn to recognize signs of aggression or stress in cats, such as hissing, growling, or flattened ears. Avoid handling a cat that is showing these signs. Get to know your cat’s behaviours, in my case I didn’t wait long enough for Fang to calm down before trying to move him to a quiet space in the house. Remember cat’s can’t tell us in words what’s going on so we need to decipher their body cues.
• Avoid Rough Play: Refrain from using your hands as toys when playing with cats. Instead, use interactive toys that keep your hands at a safe distance.
• Properly Socialize Your Cat: If you own a cat, ensure they are properly socialized from a young age. A well-socialized cat is less likely to bite out of fear or aggression.
• Teach Children: Educate children on how to approach and interact with cats safely. Children should be taught not to tease or provoke cats and to respect their space.

Conclusion

This situation was unique for me as it was my own cat.  I immediately went into problem solving mode, arranging a check up at the vet for Fang, evaluating the environment and making sure Fang had a safe space to be for the day.  When a pet bites, you do need to look at their behaviours and determine if this is an aggressive act, fearful act, protective act, etc.  In my case with Fang I believe this was a fearful act and within a few hours he was rubbing up against me as if to say I’m sorry mom.

Cat bites may seem harmless at first glance, but they carry significant risks that should not be ignored. By understanding the dangers and taking appropriate precautions, you can protect yourself and others from the potentially serious consequences of a cat bite. If you are ever bitten by a cat, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention.