If you’ve ever experienced a cat bite, you know how surprising and painful it can be.
But fear not, as this article will guide you through the steps to take when your feline friend sinks their teeth into your skin.
From understanding their motivations to proper wound care, I’ve got you covered.
Get ready to learn how to handle cat bites like a pro!
What Do You Do If Your Cat Bites You
Based on my experience living with cats, I can tell you that what you can do if your cat bites you depends on how deep the bite is.
Some cat bites are just like a scratch, while others can cut deep into your flesh, so if you have a minor cat bite you will treat it differently compared to a deep cut bite.
So, there are basically two things you should do if your cat bites you, which are as follows:
- Find out the reason your cat bites you and draw up a plan or strategies to prevent any future bite.
- You should go ahead and treat the cat bite wound.
Let’s start with treating the cat bite wound before proceeding to why the cat bite you.
Based on my experience living with cats, here’s a step-by-step process of what to do if your cat bites you:
Step 1: Wash Your Hands
When I was bitten by my cat Oscar, the first thing I did was to make sure I didn’t add salt to injury by using a dirty hand to touch the bite spot.
So, based on my experience with Oscar, I strongly advise that washing your hands with soap and warm water is crucial before attempting to treat the cat wound.
I was told by a veterinarian that the purpose of washing your hands is to help remove any dirt, bacteria, or contaminants that could be transferred to the injury and potentially cause an infection.
Therefore, I suggest you wash your hands irrespective of the level of bleeding from the wound before trying to stop the bleeding.
Step 2: Assess the wound
Immediately after washing your hands with clean water, the next step you should take is to assess the wound.
In most cases, how deep the bite is, will determine your next line of action, so I suggest you take a careful look at the cat bite wound.
Keep in mind that deep bite cuts can be serious and may require immediate veterinary attention.
Examine the wound for signs of severity, such as excessive bleeding, torn skin, or exposed underlying tissues.
If the wound appears severe or if you’re uncertain about its severity, it’s best to err on the side of caution and seek professional veterinary help. But if the wound is something you can handle, you move on to the next step.
Step 3: Clean the Wound
If the cat bite wound isn’t too deep and doesn’t require immediate veterinary care, you can proceed with cleaning it at home.
You should start by gently rinsing the wound with lukewarm water or running water, as the water will help remove any debris or bacteria present in the wound.
If available, you should use a mild soap and a soft washcloth or gauze to lightly clean the area, being careful not to scrub too hard, as this could further damage the tissue.
I advise you to avoid using hydrogen peroxide or iodine at this stage, as they can be irritating to delicate skin.
Step 4: Stop the Bleeding
If the cat bite wound is still bleeding after cleaning, I suggest you apply gentle pressure to help slow down the bleeding.
You should use a clean cloth or sterile gauze pad and apply light pressure directly to the wound. This can help promote clotting and reduce further blood loss.
Based on my experience, I can tell you that if the bleeding is severe or does not stop within 5–10 minutes, you should seek medical attention immediately, as the wound may require stitches or other professional treatment.
Step 5: Apply Antiseptic
After cleaning the cat bite wound and once the bleeding has stopped, you can apply an antiseptic solution to help prevent infection.
In my opinion, some suitable options include:
- Hydrogen peroxide: Apply a small amount to the wound and let it bubble for a few seconds before rinsing.
- Povidone-iodine: Gently dab a small amount of this antiseptic onto the wound.
- Antibiotic ointment: Apply a thin layer of over-the-counter antibiotic ointment to the area.
Any of the above is an antiseptic that can help prevent infection by killing bacteria present in the wound.
Step 6: Loosely Cover the Wound
After you are done applying any antiseptics, I recommend you loosely cover the wound with a sterile bandage or adhesive strip.
The reason for covering the wound is that this will help protect the area from further contamination.
Again, I strongly advise you to avoid wrapping the bandage too tightly, as this can restrict blood flow and slow the healing process.
Step 7: Monitor for Healing and Signs of Infection
After you are done covering the cat bite wound, you shouldn’t let things go and ignore the wound.
You should always check the wound on a regular or daily basis, this will help you monitor the wound progression.
Therefore, I suggest you keep a close eye on the wound for any signs of infection, such as:
- Increased pain around the wound
- Redness or swelling around the wound
- Warmth or pus at the site
- Fever or chills
- Unpleasant odor
Note: If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately, as the wound may require antibiotic treatment.
Step 8: Seek Medical Help
If after treating the cat bite wound you still feel much pain, or you notice any unpleasant odor from the wound, you should see a veterinarian.
Or alternatively, if the wound is deep, gaping, or shows signs of infection, it’s best to seek medical attention from a healthcare professional.
They can properly clean, assess, and treat the injury, and may prescribe antibiotics to prevent or treat any infection.
Finding out why your cat bites you
Before or after treating the cat bite wound, it is important to find out why your cat bites you.
This will help you understand your cat better and also help you to draw up a plan or strategies to prevent future bites.
Based on what I know about cats, here are some common reasons a cat might bite:
- Traumatic experience
- Overstimulation or Play Aggression
- Defense mechanism
- Boredom or lack of stimulation
- Attention-seeking behavior
- Excessive stress or anxiety
- Out of frustration
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Feeling threatened
Related: Why Is My Cat Biting Things All Of A Sudden
Conclusion
In a nutshell, understanding and prompt response are essential when your cat bites.
You can protect yourself and foster a better bond with your feline friend by taking care of any underlying problems, including fear or aggression, and getting help if needed.
Keep in mind that you can tolerate cat bites and carry on enjoying your furry friend’s affection and company with the right patience and care.
FAQs
What should I do if my cat bites me?
If your cat bites you, start by washing the wound thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove any bacteria. Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth to stop any bleeding. If the bite is deep, bleeding heavily, or shows signs of infection, seek medical attention from a healthcare professional.
Is it necessary to see a doctor if my cat bites me?
While minor cat bites can be treated at home, it’s important to monitor the wound closely for signs of infection. If the bite is deep, punctures the skin, or shows signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or discharge, it’s best to seek medical attention. A healthcare professional can assess the severity of the bite and provide appropriate treatment.
How can I prevent cat bites in the first place?
To prevent cat bites, it’s important to understand your cat’s behavior and body language. Avoid rough play that may trigger aggressive behavior. Provide your cat with plenty of mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom and frustration. If your cat shows signs of aggression or fear, consult with a veterinarian or animal behaviorist for guidance.
Can I use home remedies to treat a cat bite?
While basic first aid can be administered at home, it’s important to remember that cat bites can be serious and may require medical attention. Clean the wound with lukewarm water, apply gentle pressure to stop bleeding, and monitor for signs of infection. However, if the bite is deep, bleeding heavily, or shows signs of infection, it’s best to seek professional medical care.
