Does a cat bite require reporting to animal control?

From the Guidelines

Yes, a cat bite should be reported to animal control, as it is essential for monitoring potential rabies cases and ensuring proper follow-up with the animal owner. According to the most recent guidelines, a healthy dog, cat, or ferret that bites a person should be confined and observed daily for 10 days, and administration of rabies vaccine is not recommended during the observation period 1. The patient should clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water, seek medical attention promptly, and potentially receive antibiotics. The healthcare provider will likely ask about the cat's vaccination status and whether it was a stray or owned pet.

Some key points to consider when dealing with a cat bite include:

• The cat's vaccination status: if the cat is up-to-date on its rabies vaccination, the risk of transmission is lower
• The circumstances of the bite: if the cat was provoked or if the bite was unprovoked
• The epidemiology of rabies in the area: if there have been recent cases of rabies in the area, the risk of transmission may be higher
• The potential for exposure to rabies: if the cat has been exposed to other animals that may have rabies, the risk of transmission may be higher

It is also important to note that reporting the cat bite to animal control is crucial, as it allows public health officials to monitor potential rabies cases and ensure proper follow-up with the animal owner. The cat may need to be quarantined for observation, particularly if its rabies vaccination status is unknown or if it was a stray 1.

In terms of management, a healthy cat that bites a person should be confined and observed for 10 days, and any illness in the cat should be reported immediately to the local health department. If signs suggestive of rabies develop, the cat should be euthanized, its head removed, and the head shipped under refrigeration for examination by a qualified laboratory designated by the local or state health department 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

The likelihood of rabies in a domestic animal varies regionally, and the need for post-exposure prophylaxis also varies on the basis of regional epidemiology Dogs, cats, and ferrets: Healthy and available for 10 days observation: Persons should not begin prophylaxis unless animal develops clinical signs of rabies. Consult local or state public health officials if questions arise about the need for treatment

The FDA drug label does not answer the question of whether an animal control agency needs to be notified after a cat bite. However, it does provide guidance on the evaluation and disposition of animals that have bitten someone, and the need for post-exposure prophylaxis.

• Key factors to consider when evaluating the need for post-exposure prophylaxis after a cat bite include:
  • The regional epidemiology of rabies
  • The health and availability of the cat for 10-day observation
  • The presence of clinical signs of rabies in the cat It is recommended to consult local or state public health officials if questions arise about the need for treatment 2.

From the Research

Reporting Cat Bites to Animal Control

• The provided studies do not directly address the requirement of reporting cat bites to animal control 3, 4, 5, 6.
• However, the studies emphasize the importance of early intervention and proper treatment of cat bites to prevent infection and complications 3, 5, 6.
• The risk of infection from cat bites is high, with Pasteurella multocida being a common pathogen isolated from infected wounds 3, 5, 6.
• While the studies do not provide guidance on reporting cat bites to animal control, they highlight the need for prompt medical attention and proper wound care to prevent serious health consequences 4, 6.

Importance of Medical Attention

• Cat bites can lead to serious infections, including flexor tendon sheath infections, septic arthritis, and osteomyelitis 3, 5, 6.
• Delayed presentation of infected cat bites can result in more complicated surgeries, longer hospital stays, and increased morbidity 6.
• The studies recommend prompt treatment of cat bites, especially in immunocompromised individuals, to prevent serious health consequences 3, 5, 6.

Microbiology and Treatment

• Pasteurella multocida is a common pathogen isolated from cat bites, and antibiotic treatment should cover this bacterium 3, 5.
• The use of antibiotics in patients with cat bites is recommended, especially in high-risk wounds 4.
• The studies suggest that amoxicillin/clavulanic acid is an effective antibiotic for treating cat bites, but the use of inadequate antibiotics is a concern 4, 5.