What happens if a cat bites your arm?
What happens if a cat bites your arm?
They can cause serious infection and should be treated immediately. If a cat bites you, see a doctor as soon as possible. Up to 75 percent of cat bites introduce harmful bacteria into the body, including Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Pasteurella species.
When should I be concerned about a cat bite?
When to call a doctor If a cat bite breaks your skin, you should seek medical attention if: you start having any serious symptoms of an infection, such as fever, chills, pus or fluid oozing from the wound, or swollen lymph nodes. the wound won’t stop bleeding. the wound appears to be deep or large.
Should you go to the doctor for a cat bite?
You should see a physician as soon as possible. Most cat bite wounds are small punctures that drive pathogenic bacteria deep into the skin. Left untreated, a serious infection can develop within twenty-four to forty-eight hours.
Will a cat bite heal on its own?
Most wounds heal within 10 days. But an infection can occur even with proper treatment. So be sure to check the wound daily for signs of infection (see below). Antibiotics may be prescribed.
Should I go to urgent care for a cat bite?
Because cat bites can become infected quickly, and those infections can spread rapidly, it’s imperative to seek medical attention immediately following a cat bite or a cat scratch.
How do you treat a cat bite at home?
Cat and Dog Bites
- Wash the wound gently with soap and water.
- Apply pressure with a clean towel to the injured area to stop any bleeding.
- Apply a sterile bandage to the wound.
- Keep the wound elevated above your heart to prevent swelling and infection.
Should you put Neosporin on a cat bite?
A surface wound such as a scratch can generally be treated at home by rinsing the area with water and applying an antibiotic ointment like Neosporin. But any puncture wound should be seen by a doctor. Cat bites are less frequent than dog bites, but cat teeth are sharper and carry a higher risk of infection.
Should I put Neosporin on a cat bite?
Should you put hydrogen peroxide on a cat bite?
Do not scrub or soak the wound. Don’t use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing. You may cover the wound with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and a non-stick bandage.
Can I put triple antibiotic ointment on my cat?
Do not apply ointments, creams, disinfectants, or any other chemicals to the wound (unless directed by your veterinarian), as they can interfere with its eventual healing.
What can I put on a cat bite?
If a cat or dog bites you, you should:
- Wash the wound gently with soap and water.
- Apply pressure with a clean towel to the injured area to stop any bleeding.
- Apply a sterile bandage to the wound.
- Keep the wound elevated above your heart to prevent swelling and infection.
What to do if you get a cat bite on your hand?
You should still clean the wound area with soap and water, but it’s unlikely you will have to take any action. Puncture wounds from a cat bite have a high risk of infection. Bites on the hand are also at a high risk of infection. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and cover with a sterile bandage.
What happens if you get bit by a cat?
Cat bites are dangerous to you and other pets. They can cause serious infection and should be treated immediately. If a cat bites you, see a doctor as soon as possible. Up to 75 percent of cat bites introduce harmful bacteria into the body, including Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Pasteurella species.
What should you do if you get bit by a dog?
Your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics in order to reduce the risk of infection developing at the site of the bite or elsewhere in the body. Some wounds may need to be sutured (stitched) while others will be left open to heal. A tetanus booster may also be recommended.
Do you need antibiotics for a cat bite?
Most physicians will prescribe antibiotics as a precaution, since cat bites can become infected (and the infection can spread) quickly. Often, outpatient treatment with a course of oral antibiotics is all that’s needed.