Cats
'Cat Bites' typography with a vector illustration of a cat
Cautions, Care & Prevention

By Daryl Conner

In working with animals, it’s understood that we put ourselves at risk each day we come in contact with them. And while it’s primarily dog bites that are at the forefront of our minds, cat bites can often be even more dangerous.

Statistically, cat bites result in infection 30-50% of the time. And, unfortunately, many victims wait hours or days before seeking medical treatment, not understanding the potential danger, as usually the injury does not look like much more than a pinprick.

But why are cat bites so dangerous?

The trouble is primarily due to cats’ cone-shaped, super-sharp canine teeth. Those teeth boast narrow points at the tip which are able to pierce deeply into the skin. Even healthy cats will have several types of bacteria in their saliva that could cause problems. The one that most commonly causes infections in human victims is Pasteurella multocida.

Because cat teeth are small, the human body typically seals the puncture rather quickly. This leaves a nice warm place for that bacteria to multiply. If a bite becomes infected and is left untreated, the infection can become serious, causing cellulitis or even blood poisoning to occur. Cat bites, like any puncture wound, can also carry the potential for tetanus.

If a cat bite should occur, here is how you should take care of the injury:

  • Encourage a little blood to flow from the wound, which will hopefully carry some of the bacteria out with it.
  • Flush the wound with tepid running water for several minutes.
  • Wash the wound with hand soap, then rinse well. (Do not pour alcohol or any harsh cleanser into the injury. This can cause cellular damage.)
  • Pat the area dry with a clean cloth.
  • Apply antibiotic cream to the wound.
  • Bandage the injury with a sterile bandage.
  • Call your healthcare provider.

As pet care providers, most cat bites we receive are on our hands. According to the Mayo Clinic, one in three cat bites on the hand will require hospitalization. The study also noted that a bite on any joint in the hand was more likely to require a hospital stay than soft-tissue injuries.

Beyond these rather frightening statistics, it will be essential to check and ensure that the cat who delivered the bite is up to date on their rabies vaccine. If the cat has an unknown history or is overdue for having its rabies vaccine, anti-rabies treatment may be recommended. In addition, cat bites should be reported to the local health department.

While cat bites are not entirely unavoidable, your risk of being bitten can be greatly reduced by becoming educated on how to safely, kindly and compassionately handle felines. It’s well-known that transporting cats can be a stressful experience for them, so great care should be taken when placing them in or removing them from their carrier, as well as when reaching for them in a corner or hiding spot.

Administering medication and grooming are also common practice in the boarding environment, which can pose risk to being bitten. Safety precatuions should be taken when handling potentially aggressive cats with use of protection like leather or heavy rubber gloves, air muzzles, or gentle restraints.

Anyone working professionally with cats should also be well-versed in cat behavior. Knowing the warning signs of when a cat is frightened, stressed or aggressive can go a long way in preventing a handler from getting bit.

A career in pet care can be very rewarding, but is not without its risks. However, if you ensure you’re educated in behavior and handling, informed in what to do in the case a bite does occur, and armed with the tools to keep yourself and cat safe, you’re much more likely to have a long, fulfilling career doing what you love!

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