University of maryland medical center.
Cat bite first aid.
How to administer first aid for an animal bite.
Part 2 of 4.
They can coil around you alluringly but they also can scratch and bite.
Because cat bites usually cover a small area you will probably be able to cover it with an over the counter adhesive band aid.
At least that s what the cat would say.
If a cat scratches or bites you you need to act quickly to prevent.
The following are common feline emergencies and instructions for first aid.
Symptoms and first aid reviewed by the clinical committee.
Cover all areas where the skin was broken with a clean band aid.
Written by steve corelli.
All bite injuries have the potential to be dangerous.
What you should do for a cat bite or scratch.
Every cat owner has found him or herself on the business end of a cat s claws at least once.
Any bee sting or insect bite has the potential to cause problems ranging from a minor local reaction pain swelling or itching to a more serious one hives facial swelling vomiting trouble breathing and in rare cases collapse.
Signs of infection include swelling redness oozing puss and fever.
As much as humans interact with felines cats it s no wonder that cat bites are common injuries especially in children.
If the bite was caused by a cat or a dog try to confirm that the animal s rabies vaccination is up to date.
Cat bites are puncture wounds that can cause bacterial infections with pasteurella multocida that can spread within the tissues or into the blood stream.
If you see signs of infection from a cat bite contact your doctor immediately as this is an emergency situation.
How to treat a cat bite.
First aid and precautionary measures.
Infections can lead to cellulitis an infection of the skin and underlying tissues or enter the bloodstream causing septicemia or blood poisoning.
Dry the bite first to help the band aid stick.
Your doctor may recommend vaccination with tetanus or rabies prophylaxis.
They are more likely to get infected and require medical attention.
Cat and dog bites.
If the bite was caused by a wild animal seek advice from your doctor about which animals are most likely to carry rabies.
Treating a cat bite should always start with the safety of all involved including the patient the rescuer and if possible the cat.
