Cat bites usually occur in cat owners. Even if the pus has received the necessary injections, the victim must care for and monitor the wound closely so that it can immediately know when the infection starts. Cats have long fangs so there is a possibility that the bite wound is quite deep and prone to infection.
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Part 1 of 4: Cleaning Minor Bites at Home
Step 1. Check how bad your bite is
Sometimes, cats just give a "warning" bite without hurting your skin. However, sometimes a bite from its fangs can cause deep wounds.
- Examine the bite wound and look for areas of skin that may be damaged.
- Children who are bitten by a cat may cry and freak out, even if the bite doesn't hurt or damage the skin.
Step 2. Wash the small bite wound
If your cat's teeth don't cut through the skin, or if they don't cut the skin too deep, you can wash and clean the bite at home.
- Clean the bite wound thoroughly with clean water and soap. The water will run through the bite wound and remove dirt and bacteria. Leave the wound in running water for a few minutes.
- Press the wound carefully to help remove the dirty blood. Dirt and bacteria from inside the wound will also be removed.
Step 3. Disinfect the wound to prevent the development of bacteria and other pathogens
Pour the disinfectant product on a sterile cotton swab, and gently wipe it on the bite wound. Your wound may sting and sting, but only for a moment. The following chemicals are potent germicide:
- Alcohol
- Iodine-based antiseptic (iodine scrub)
- Hydrogen peroxide
Step 4. Prevent infection in small wounds using over-the-counter antibiotic creams
Apply a small amount of topical antibiotic cream (about the size of a pea) on the damaged or bitten area of the skin.
- Triple antibiotic creams are usually available in pharmacies and are effective at preventing infection. Make sure you read and follow the product instructions for use.
- Talk to your doctor before using any of these medicines on a baby (or if you are pregnant).
Step 5. Protect the wound with a plaster
With a plaster, the wound will be protected from dirt and bacteria during the healing process. Cover all areas of skin affected by the wound with a clean plaster.
- Since cat bites are usually small, you can cover them with a regular small bandage.
- Dry the wound first so that the plaster can stick well.
Part 2 of 4: Seeking Medical Treatment for More Serious Wounds
Step 1. See a doctor if the bite wound is too severe to treat on its own
Such injuries include:
- Bite wound on face
- A deep bite wound from a cat's fangs
- Wounds with heavy bleeding that are difficult to stop
- Wounds with damaged tissue that need to be removed
- Injuries to joints, ligaments, or tendons
Step 2. Discuss treatment options with your doctor
Your doctor may provide several treatment suggestions, depending on the condition of the bite wound and your health:
- Cover the wound to stop the bleeding
- Removes dead tissue to prevent infection
- Take X-rays to check for damage to the joints
- Recommend reconstructive surgery if you have a serious injury or are at risk of scarring
Step 3. Take the antibiotics prescribed by the doctor
Antibiotics help reduce the chance of infection. Usually, antibiotics are prescribed for severe cat bite wounds, especially for people who have weakened immune systems due to conditions or diseases such as diabetes or HIV, as well as people undergoing chemotherapy. Your doctor may prescribe medications such as:
- Cefalexin
- Doxycycline
- Co-Amoxiclav
- Ciprofloxacin (ciprofloxacin hydrochloride)
- Metronidazole
Part 3 of 4: Determining the Risk of Disease Transmission
Step 1. Find out the immunization status of the cat that bit you
Cats that have not been vaccinated may be infected with diseases that are harmful to humans and can be transmitted through bites.
- If you are bitten by a pet cat, ask the owner if the cat is up-to-date with vaccinations. If the cat is your own pet cat, check its medical records or history for the date of the last vaccination.
- See your doctor immediately if you are bitten by a stray cat, or you cannot be sure that the cat has received the latest vaccinations. Even if the cat appears healthy, you should still visit the doctor after confirming that the cat has been vaccinated. The cat may still carry the disease, but not show any symptoms.
Step 2. Get vaccinated if necessary
People who are bitten by cats are at risk of several diseases. Your doctor may advise you to get vaccinated against some diseases, such as:
- Rabies. Although some animals with rabies exhibit fairly obvious physical symptoms (including foaming at the mouth), the disease can be transmitted before symptoms appear. If there is a possibility that you have rabies, your doctor will vaccinate you to prevent or fight infection.
- Tetanus. Tetanus is caused by bacteria found in soil and animal waste. This means, if your wound looks dirty and deep, and you haven't had a tetanus shot in the past five years, your doctor will give you a tetanus shot to prevent infection.
Step 3. Watch for signs of infection in the wound
See a doctor immediately if you have any of the following signs of infection:
- Reddish skin
- Swelling
- Wounds that are getting worse
- Pus or fluid that comes out of the blood
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fever
- Shaking and cold
Part 4 of 4: Preventing Cat Bites
Step 1. Learn how to tell if your cat is feeling threatened
Usually, cat bites occur when a cat feels the need to protect itself. If you have a pet cat, teach your kids to understand the body language that your pussy is showing. A frightened cat may show signs such as:
- hiss
- growl
- Lowering his ears so that they are flush with his head
- Raising his feathers so he looks bigger than usual (pilo erect)
Step 2. Show a kind and gentle attitude to the cat
Some situations that often make cats act aggressively include:
- Cats feel cornered
- The tail is pulled
- The cat is still carried, even though it tries to rebel
- Cats feel shocked or hurt
- Cats play rough. Instead of letting the pussy "wrestle" with your hands or feet, drag the rope and let it chase the rope.
Step 3. Avoid interactions with stray cats or street cats
Feral cats often live in urban areas, but may not be used to intimate interactions with humans. Therefore, do not try to pet or hold her.
- Do not feed stray cats in places that allow them to interact with children.
- Cats who are not used to human interaction can show unexpected reactions.
