Cat Bite: Impacts and What to Do

When cats feel afraid or threatened, they may exhibit aggressive behavior. However, many cat owners also find themselves on the receiving end of bites and scratches during petting sessions, a phenomenon known as pettinginduced aggression.

What are the dangers of being bitten by a cat?

Being bitten or scratched by a cat should never be taken lightly, as it can lead to severe infections.

For instance, the deadly Pasteurella multocida can cause serious infections when the bacteria enter the body through a skin puncture, leading to cellulitis.

Cats often carry potential hazards such as Clostridium and Streptococcus species, which can cause widespread infections like tonsillitis and scarlet fever. Additionally, the bacterium Enterococcus faecalis can lead to cat scratch fever.

What is cat scratch fever?

Cat scratch fever, also known as cat scratch disease, is a contagious illness caused by the bacterium Bartonella henselae. It can be transmitted between cats and humans.

This bacterium is found in the feces of fleas, and cats often inadvertently ingest these bacteria while grooming themselves. The bacteria can also be transmitted by ticks.

Humans typically contract cat scratch fever after being scratched or bitten by an infected pet or when an infected cat licks a wound on the human body.

How does cat scratch fever affect humans?

Thankfully, cat scratch fever is rarely fatal, and symptoms are usually mild. Common symptoms include fatigue, headaches, fever, and swelling of the lymph nodes near the site of the scratch or bite.

These symptoms usually appear within one to two weeks, but in some cases, they may take up to eight weeks to manifest. Symptoms often resolve on their own after rest, but individuals with underlying health conditions may need medical attention.

How to prevent being bitten by cats and contracting cat scratch fever?

Never treat your hands as a cat's toy! Provide them with a variety of engaging toys to play with instead.

Avoid keeping cats with young children and steer clear of petting unfamiliar cats. If your cat shows signs of pettinginduced aggression, understand what triggers the behavior. You can also take steps to regularly treat fleas and ticks to ensure your cat doesn't contract cat scratch fever.

What to do if you are bitten by a cat?

Wash the wound with antibacterial soap (chlorhexidine) for at least five minutes.

While cleaning, bend and squeeze the muscle to encourage bleeding from the wound.

Soak the affected area in warm saline solution, bend and squeeze the wound again to encourage bleeding.

When should you seek medical attention after being bitten by a cat?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek emergency help immediately:

Redness and swelling around the wound

A warm, increasingly painful wound

Discharge or pus from the wound

Fever over 38 degrees Celsius

Sweating and chills

Swollen glands in the neck, armpits, or groin

If any of these symptoms occur, please seek medical attention promptly.