Affects: Cats
Cat bites are bites inflicted upon humans, other cats, and other animals by the domestic cat (Felis catus). Data from the United States show that cat bites represent between 5–15% of all animal bites inflicted to humans, but it has been argued that this figure could be the consequence of under-reporting as bites made by cats are considered by some to be unimportant. Though uncommon, cat bites can sometimes transmit rabies, cause health complications, and even, though very rarely, lead to death.
Signs And Symptoms: Cat bites are usually considered minor injuries but can result in serious infection and cause rabies if inflicted by a rabid cat. Common symptoms include pain and swelling around the affected area. Sometimes, direct tissue damage from the cat bite can impair mobility or cause tenosynovitis or arthritis. In these cases, surgical consultation is needed to assess severity. Some unusual complications, like deep-vein thrombosis, subcutaneous emphysema and fetal tachycardia have been described. Some of the infections acquired from a cat bite can be acquired otherwise, like plague.
Diagnosis: The diagnosis is aided by obtaining a history of the circumstances surrounding the bite. The time the bite was experienced, the location of the bite, and examination of the bite are noted. The person may have drainage from the site of the bite. They may also be febrile, and swelling around the wound may occur. Because the wound from the bite may heal too quickly over the punctures, it may need to be opened and explored. Hydrogen peroxide may be used at home to reopen the wound, with pressure being applied around the wound to drain any abscesses. For deep wounds, this process may need to be repeated. At a hospital, the patient may request that the site be anesthetized before exploration. Neurovascular status is assessed. Immune status may determine treatment, as does the presence of transplanted tissue or organs, rheumatic disease, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and sickle cell disease. Swollen lymph nodes and red streaks radiating upward may be evident.
The diagnosis of a cat with rabies is usually evident by observing the cat. Cats with rabies may also appear restless, pant, and attack other animals, people, or objects. Animals with rabies typically die within a few days of appearing sick. Vaccination of the cat can prevent rabies from being transmitted by the cat through a bite. If the cat is suspected of being infected with rabies, the person bitten will immediately begin treatment with rabies vaccine.
Treatment: The first step in treatment includes washing and then irrigating the bite wound with water and isopropyl alcohol. Often, a tetanus shot is prescribed. If a cat that has bitten another cat or animal and appears to be ill, the cat would benefit from an assessment and possible treatment by a veterinarian. If the wound has a low risk of being infected, it is sometimes only sutured. A person who has been bitten by a cat with rabies will need specialized treatment. Resulting infections from cat bites can be prevented by immediately washing wounds with soap and warm water.
Seek medical attention if the cat has not been vaccinated against rabies. If a cat has bitten someone, and there is no evidence that the cat has been vaccinated against rabies, the person will be treated for rabies infection.
Prevention: Cat bites can often be prevented by:
avoiding cats
instructing children not to tease cats or other pets