Cat bites are very dangerous: they can cause fatal infections

Usually it's the dog bite that scares us most, but a cat bite is no less dangerous. In some ways, it is even more dangerous.

The serious risks associated with cat bites are illustrated by the fact that one in three cases end up in hospital, according to one study. A big factor in this is that a cat bite can cause infections that, if left untreated, can spread to other parts of the body, leading to sepsis and potentially fatalities.

Why cat bites are so dangerous

Veterinarian Dr. Andrea Bodó told us that a cat’s tooth is sharper than that of a dog so it can inflict smaller but deeper wounds. “When dogs bite the extent of the damage is greater, so almost all cases are referred to a doctor, but in cats, minor puncture wounds are more likely to be ignored by people at first,

but they can be much more dangerous in terms of infection.

“Through the small and deep puncture ducts, pathogens – mainly bacteria – can enter deep into the tissues and easily multiply in this warm, oxygen-free, nutrient-rich environment. But people often do not seek medical attention until days later, when swelling, redness and pain around the injury are already present,” he explained. However, it is usually too late to start antibiotic treatment.

Often, the only way to get a result is surgical exploration, removal of dead tissue and cleaning of the wound. Effective wound cleaning is usually a surgical task, depending on the condition of the wound.

The veterinarian says that it is important to start the antibiotic as soon as possible in all cases, but it is equally important to take the medicine in the amounts and at the frequency agreed with the doctor and for the time specified. You may also need a tetanus shot – especially if the wound is deep and you haven’t had one for a few years.

Rabies should also be considered

In the event of a bite from an unknown cat – especially if the animal is agressive – rabies vaccination may also be necessary, as failure to do so could result in potentially fatal disease.

“In the case of a known, i.e. observable cat, the official veterinarian will check the animal’s condition for 2 weeks, and if it does not show any signs of rabies during this time, the vaccination is not necessary,” the expert added.

What to do if your cat bites you

“Like all bites, in the case of infection, it is advisable to disinfect the site of the bite immediately and seek medical attention as soon as possible (depending on the severity of the bite, you may even need to visit the emergency room),” Dr. Andrea Bodó advised.

It is then up to the treating doctor to decide how to clean the wound, administer the necessary vaccines or antibiotics. He or she will also contact the official veterinarian.