August 15, 2024, 6:00 am | Read time: 6 minutes
Most cat bites happen in the heat of the moment. All the greater the shock for owner and animal. PETBOOK editor and cat behavior expert Saskia Schneider has already been bitten three times and explains what to do. Because in all the hustle and bustle, many people forget to take care of the bite itself, with fatal consequences.
“You could have lost your entire arm!” This was the repeated warning from doctors after I was bitten by my cat, Kimmie. Like many cat owners, I didn’t immediately seek medical attention at a clinic or emergency room. “It’s only a small bite — it’ll heal”, I thought. Only when the pain became so intense that I nearly vomited did I make my way to the emergency clinic.
There, I was given an injection for tetanus and antibiotics. The finger, now swollen to nearly double its normal size, was drenched in iodine and wrapped in bandages. I looked as if I had broken my hand — and all because of a small bite.
Cat bites often happen in the heat of the moment
If a cat has bitten someone, it likely occurred as a spontaneous reaction. From my experience, the most severe bite injuries happen when cats are in a state of panic and extreme fear. In Kimmie’s case, for example, it was a car that drove down the road just as we were taking the cats to the in-laws’ house.
Kimmie was used to walking on a harness and was allowed to explore the garden with me while the rest of the family unloaded the suitcases. As they were blocking the road, the car honked right next to us. This incident threw Kimmie into a state of panic. My first reaction was to try to take her in my arms to calm her down. During this, Kimmie bit my finger twice.
Situations like this often happen when we actually want to help our cats because they have become trapped or are panicking. In those moments, however, the cats cannot comprehend that it is their owner reaching out to them. Overwhelmed by mortal fear, they react by biting in a state of panic.
Cat bites are always a medical emergency
The danger of a cat bite is often underestimated by us. Many individuals first attend to their pets, overlooking the urgent need to seek medical care for themselves. This is due to the cat’s sharp teeth creating deep puncture wounds that can become critical, particularly on the hand.
Staphylococci and streptococci are transmitted in the process. Bacteria that can lead to serious infections. Particularly dangerous are anaerobic bacteria like Pasteurella multocida. They can multiply even without oxygen and survive under the skin. Should the wound seal, the bacteria can proliferate along the tendons and tendon sheaths, spreading throughout the body. In the worst case, this can lead to sepsis (blood poisoning) or even amputation of the affected limb.1
Cat bites are still underestimated
Unfortunately, even some doctors underestimate the danger of cat bites. During my last bite incident, I found myself having to justify over the phone why I would call the medical on-call service at three in the morning for what seemed to be a minor issue. After all, I could visit the clinic the following day. The person on the other end also expressed skepticism that a doctor would prescribe antibiotics for such a wound.
“The fact is that minor injuries are underestimated by patients and doctors, as it is precisely the punctiform lesions on the skin that conceal the extent of the injury”, according to the German medical journal “Tier- und Menschenbissverletzungen“.
Under no circumstances should you be discouraged by this. Even if the bite appears to be superficial. Thirty to fifty percent of bite injuries result in infections. How well the bite heals depends on the initial treatment. The quicker the wound is cleansed and disinfected, the less likely it is that severe inflammation will necessitate surgical intervention to address the infection.
Scratches can also be dangerous
Cat scratches are also often underestimated. The issue is not necessarily with injuries that appear severe or bleed profusely. It is actually the puncture wounds caused by the cat’s claws penetrating the flesh that are concerning. As with bites, bacteria are carried deep into the tissue. You should therefore also keep a close eye on such wounds and consult a doctor if in doubt.
The following symptoms indicate that the wound has become inflamed, and the infection is spreading:
- The affected area swells up considerably
- The area surrounding the wound is intensely painful and throbbing
- Affected areas are hot
- Pus comes out of the wound
If you experience illness, nausea, or fever following a bite or scratch, seek immediate care at the emergency room. It could be a case of blood poisoning.
What should I do after a cat has bitten me?
Most cat bites happen — as mentioned at the beginning — without the cat’s intention, i.e., in the heat of the moment. It is rather rare for a cat to attack directly. Even bites in play or as a warning, for example, because the cat doesn’t want something, are rarely so severe that they cause major damage.
However, if the cat has bitten out of fear or panic, the most important thing is to keep calm. Under no circumstances should you scold the cat loudly or even hit them. This will only exacerbate the situation and cause lasting damage to your relationship with the cat.
The context in which the cat has bitten is decisive for how you behave afterward. If the cat bites during play, for example, you should not simply accept this but stop the interaction immediately. Young cats in particular like to bite during play in order to try things out. To avoid this, playing with your hands should generally be taboo.
Ensure harmony
If a cat bites out of panic or fear, many of them are still charged hours after the incident. It is not uncommon for cats that see a strange cat in the garden to become so enraged that they attack their owners if they happen to be nearby. In behavioral biology, this is also referred to as “redirected aggression”.
Here, it is important to restore harmony as quickly as possible, as the aggression can be directed not only at people but also at other cats living in the household. This puts a strain on the relationship between the animals in the long term. It is best to give the frightened cat a little time out in a quiet room until it has calmed down again.
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Don’t hold a grudge
It is often a shock for us humans when our own cat bites us. Some are even afraid of their pets afterward. Nevertheless, it is crucial not to harbor resentment. Cats live in the present moment and cannot comprehend why their owner has suddenly become distant.
Such incidents can be distressing for both the owner and the cat, making it essential to preserve routines like playtime and cuddling. This signals to the cat that everything is okay, which can help them to feel safe again more quickly.