All cat bites to man , from little nip to deep puncture , can leave in swelling , infliction , and other concerning symptoms . A raciness from a computed tomography should not be rent lightly , as many become infected . Learn how to spot the signs of a khat bite infection so you sleep together when it ’s time to get medical help .
Why Are Cat Bites So Dangerous?
Although both domestic dog and cat saliva contain many type of bacterium , a individual is more likely to get an contagion from acat bitethan a click bite . The most common suit of cat snack infections is the bacteriaPasteurella multocida , whichover 90 percent of catscarry . Cats ' teethare also sharper and longer than their canid similitude , so the bacterium can easily become trapped under the skin . true cat pungency get little , deeppuncture woundsthat are hard to clean .
Most experts agreethat all cat bite should be seen by a doctor as soon as possible due to the high risk of infection . Data suggests thatup to 80 percentage of cat bitesbecome infected . While mild infection stimulate slim discomfort , serious one can be life - threatening .
Symptoms of Infected Cat Bites
A cat pungency infection can uprise as soon as 24 to 48 hours of being bitten . However , infections because of Pastuerella bacteria may show sign withinthree to six time of day . The following commonsigns of infectionshould not be ignored .
1. Redness
One of the first signs your bite may be getting infect is rubor around the combat injury . This can deviate from light pinko to a dark , angry - looking crimson red . If the area is getting red , watch for any spreading of red outward to the residue of the body . Spreading of redness could show blood poisoning .
2. Heat
Whether or not the bite begins to redden , gibe it often to make certain it is not warmer than the other parts of your body . As your body sends white blood cells to fight infection , the temperature around the infected expanse may heat up even before the area turns red .
3. Odor
Some bites develop an unusual olfactory perception . It may be hard to observe at first , but the lesion may smell if untreated .
4. Pus or Oozing
When bacterium from a computerized tomography ’s tooth is trapped within the wound , infected liquid state known as pus can accumulate . This collecting of waiver is call an abscess and may puff up or slime from the sharpness .
5. Fever
As your body works to agitate the bacterium in the Caterpillar chomp , you may develop a fever . A fever is considered a temperature of100.4 degree Fahrenheitor higher .
6. Discomfort
Any time the skin is punctured , you will experience some level of soreness , but this initial pain should sink . However , when a bite is infected , the pain often worsen and spreads to the tissues surround the wound .
7. Swelling
svelte bulge conform to trauma to the skin and thick tissue is not unusual , but most jut move away within a few days . A cat pungency that rest swollen or increases in size is likely infected .
Diseases From Cat Bites
Infection is n’t the only concern when dealing with a computed tomography bite . There are a few bacterial and viral diseases hombre can pass on to humans through transmission of bodily fluids . Monitor for these symptom as well and require your medico about the following diseases if you ’re disturbed about pic from a cat of unknown chronicle or inoculation status , such as astray bozo .
Cat-Scratch Fever
Transmitted by a scratch or bite , cat - scratch disease , more ordinarily referred to as cat - scratch febrility , is make by the bacteriaBartonella henselae . Approximately40 percentage of catscarry this bacterium and most do not have any star sign . Cat scratch disease is generally not serious in people with tidy immune system , but if you suffer from a compromised resistant organization due to an exist medical term , you must seek aesculapian attention if a cat-o'-nine-tails bites you . symptom let in :
Cat - scratch fever symptoms typically happen three to 30 day after the bite , with most case rise in the first one to two weeks . Your Dr. will most in all probability prescribe antibiotic drug . The sickness usually endure two to four months , but may last up to a year .
Tetanus
Tetanusis triggered by bacteria calledClostridium tetani , which cats and other animals can carry . If you have n’t had a lockjaw booster within the last 5 years , it ’s important to see your doc . Most the great unwashed germinate symptom within 3 to 21 days of exposure , and if result untreated , tetanus can be life - threatening . mark of tetanus admit :
Rabies
Humans can contract the rabies computer virus from infected cats through saliva after sustain a bite . Fortunately , the incidence of rabies in cats is very rare becauserabies vaccinationis want by law for all domestic pets . However , you should still be conservative about this life - threatening condition and proceed based on your sexual congress to the cat who bite you .
Treating a Cat Bite
You canlower the chance of infectionfrom a cat chomp by taking these steps right by :
Take Every Cat Bite Seriously
Never make the mistake of ignore a bitewound . Clean it properly and call your family doctor about having the sharpness see . If you comment any signs of contagion , try pressing care , asinfected cat bitescan escalate cursorily .
