Cat Bite First Aid

How to treat a cat bite.

Cat bite first aid.

If the bite was caused by a cat or a dog try to confirm that the animal s rabies vaccination is up to date. All bite injuries have the potential to be dangerous. They can coil around you alluringly but they also can scratch and bite. Part 2 of 4.

As much as humans interact with felines cats it s no wonder that cat bites are common injuries especially in children. Treating a cat bite should always start with the safety of all involved including the patient the rescuer and if possible the cat. At least that s what the cat would say. What you should do for a cat bite or scratch.

They are more likely to get infected and require medical attention. Any bite should be cleaned immediately and assessed by a physician as soon as possible as antibiotics are frequently needed to treat infection. Every cat owner has found him or herself on the business end of a cat s claws at least once. Cats use their mouths and claws to communicate and this behavior is absolutely normal but it is still an unpleasant.

Cat bites are puncture wounds that can cause bacterial infections with pasteurella multocida that can spread within the tissues or into the blood stream. First aid and precautionary measures. Any bee sting or insect bite has the potential to cause problems ranging from a minor local reaction pain swelling or itching to a more serious one hives facial swelling vomiting trouble breathing and in rare cases collapse. If a cat scratches or bites you you need to act quickly to prevent.

If you see signs of infection from a cat bite contact your doctor immediately as this is an emergency situation. How to administer first aid for an animal bite. Signs of infection include swelling redness oozing puss and fever. If the bite was caused by a wild animal seek advice from your doctor about which animals are most likely to carry rabies.

Dry the bite first to help the band aid stick. University of maryland medical center. Cover all areas where the skin was broken with a clean band aid. Because cat bites usually cover a small area you will probably be able to cover it with an over the counter adhesive band aid.

The following are common feline emergencies and instructions for first aid. Your doctor may recommend vaccination with tetanus or rabies prophylaxis. Written by steve corelli. Infections can lead to cellulitis an infection of the skin and underlying tissues or enter the bloodstream causing septicemia or blood poisoning.