Can you get a bacterial infection from a cat bite?
Cat bites and scratches can spread a bacterial infection called cat-scratch disease (CSD) caused by the bacteria Bartonella hanselae. The disease spreads when an infected cat bites or scratches hard enough to break the skin or when it licks a person’s open wound.
How do you treat an infected cat bite?
First, you want to try to flush out as much bacteria as possible and then irrigate the wound with water. Next, wash the wound with mild soap and water. Slow the bleeding with a clean cloth and apply over-the-counter antibiotic cream if you have it. Then, wrap the wound in a sterile bandage.
How long does infection from cat bite last?
If an infection develops, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics. A typical round of treatment will last five to 10 days. However, the length of your treatment may vary based on many factors, including: the type of bite.
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.
What is the best antibiotic for a cat bite?
Amoxicillin with clavulanate is the current recommendation for antibiotic treatment for cat bites. In penicillin-allergic patients or those with penicillin-resistant strains, other alternatives are necessary.
Should I go to ER for cat bite?
If the bite punctures a person’s skin, the bacteria then gets into the individual’s tissue and bloodstream. When people suspect that their bites are infected, they should go to the ER immediately. It often only takes a few hours for signs of infection to appear.
Can a cat bite cause cellulitis?
An infected cat bite wound will be red, swollen, and painful, and the infection can spread through the surrounding tissues, causing a condition called cellulitis, or through the blood to other areas of the body, causing a condition called septicemia (often called blood poisoning).
Do I need a tetanus shot if my cat bit me?
Some wounds may need to be sutured (stitched) while others will be left open to heal. A tetanus booster may also be recommended. Depending on the severity of the bite and the circumstances surrounding the bite, your doctor may also recommend that you receive a rabies prophylaxis treatment.
Can you put Neosporin on a cat bite?
Antibiotic Ointment: Put an antibiotic ointment (Neosporin, Bacitracin) on the bite 3 times a day for 3 days. Call Your Doctor If: Bite looks infected (spreading redness, red streaks, swelling, or tender to touch)
What should I do if my cat bites my hand?
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.
