Is Cat Bite Dangerous? | What If A Cat Bites You? | Infection from Cat Bite | Dr. Binocs Show

Understanding the Risks of Cat Bites

Playing with a cute cat can be a lot of fun, but did you know that cat bites can sometimes be dangerous? Let’s learn about why cat bites can be risky, what kind of bacteria might be involved, and what to do if you get bitten.

The Danger of Cat Bites

Cats have sharp teeth that can pierce your skin when they bite. This can let bacteria from the cat’s mouth get into your body, which might cause problems depending on where the bite is and how deep it is.

Common Bacteria from Cat Bites

One common type of bacteria found in cat bites is called Pasteurella multocida. If you don’t treat it quickly, it can cause your skin to become red, swollen, and painful. This is called cellulitis. In more serious cases, the bacteria can get into your blood, causing a condition called septicemia, or blood poisoning. Symptoms of septicemia include fever and feeling like you have the flu. It’s very important to get medical help because it can be very dangerous, especially for kids, older people, and those who are already sick.

Other Health Risks

Besides cellulitis and septicemia, cat bites can also cause Cat Scratch Disease (CSD), which is caused by the bacterium Bartonella henselae. If you have CSD, you might get a fever, headache, feel very tired, and have swollen lymph nodes. Most of the time, it gets better on its own, but sometimes you might need medicine called antibiotics.

The Risk of Rabies

Rabies is one of the most serious risks from cat bites, especially if the cat is a stray or hasn’t had its shots. Rabies can cause fever, headache, drooling, muscle spasms, paralysis, and confusion. It’s very dangerous and can be fatal if not treated early.

Prevention Strategies

To avoid getting bitten by a cat, it’s important to be gentle and careful when playing with them. Here are some tips to stay safe:

• Avoid Provocation: Don’t tease or bother cats, as this might make them bite to defend themselves.
• Trim Claws: Keep your cat’s claws trimmed to reduce the chance of injury.
• Vaccination: Make sure your cat gets its shots and is treated for fleas regularly.
• Recognize Aggression: Stay away from cats that are hissing, have raised fur, or ears pointed backward, as these are signs they might bite.

What to Do If Bitten

If a cat bites you, it’s important to act quickly:

1. Wash the Wound: Rinse the bite under running water for at least five minutes.
2. Clean the Area: Use mild soap or a salt solution to clean the wound.
3. Control Bleeding: If the wound is bleeding, press a clean bandage on it to stop the bleeding.
4. Seek Medical Attention: Even if the bite seems small, see a doctor to prevent any complications.

Conclusion

With about $400,000 cat bites happening in the United States each year, it’s important to know the risks and how to handle them. By following these tips and knowing what to do if bitten, you can enjoy playing with cats while staying safe and healthy.