29 Jan What To Do if You Get Bit By Your Cat
Cats are wonderful, furry creatures with a lot of love to share and very unique personalities. Some cats enjoy physical interaction, but others less so. It can provide a challenge to respect boundaries if the feline is prone to overstimulation or if there are underlying medical concerns that may affect the cat’s behavior.
Why Do Cats Bite?
There are numerous reasons in which a cat may bite a human. Some of these reasons may include overstimulation, failure to realize the cat does not want to interact, or underlying pain. Tooth resorption is one of the most common oral diseases in cats and is a very painful condition. Most cats suffer in silence when they are dealing with oral pain. People who suffer from chronic pain such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and even dental pain can attest to a decreased cheerful attitude and a reduced tolerance for undesirable behavior of others. Owners often report that they ‘have a new cat’ once the dental disease has been addressed with the resolution of seemingly silent pain.
Can Cat Bites Get Infected?
Most cats resort to biting as a last resort and would rather flee a perceived threat than take an aggressive stance. When a cat bites a human, it is obviously a concerning situation. Cat teeth, notably the canine or ‘fang’ teeth, are very sharp. When penetrating the skin, bacteria from the oral microflora can be transmitted, leaving a contaminated wound. Three out of four cat bites introduce one of these bacteria into your body: staphylococcus, streptococcus or pasteurella. Signs of infection generally present within a few hours and it is highly recommended to seek medical attention within eight hours.
What to Do if a Cat Bites You
If you sustain a cat bite, you’ll want to immediately rid the wound of as much bacteria as possible. You can do this by pressing on the wound to the point where blood emerges. The blood will help flush bacteria from the wound. Then, wash the wound with mild soap and water and wrap it with a clean bandage. Finally, medical attention should be sought, followed by a thoughtful empathetic contemplation of what may have triggered the attack.
Your Vet Dentist in Colorado Springs
Most people obtain pets because they seek a connection, and enjoy the bond secured with dogs and cats, and other species. It is hugely upsetting when their ‘language’ is not understood, and a bite wound occurs. Underlying medical conditions, such as oral pain, can lead to an increased reactive response by the pet to stimulation. At Animal Dental Care and Oral Surgery, it is our goal to provide pets with a pain-free and comfortable oral cavity. If you suspect your pet may have oral pain, call us today to schedule a consult.