From the Guidelines
For a cat bite to the finger, seek medical attention promptly and start antibiotics such as amoxicillin-clavulanate (Augmentin) 875/125 mg twice daily for 5-7 days, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1. The most recent guidelines from 2024 emphasize the importance of early administration of antibiotics to prevent infection from high-risk animal bites, including cat bites to the hand 1.
Key Considerations
- Clean the wound immediately with soap and running water for at least 5 minutes, then apply an antiseptic like povidone-iodine or hydrogen peroxide, and cover with a clean bandage.
- Cat bites are particularly dangerous because their sharp teeth can create deep puncture wounds that seal quickly, trapping bacteria inside, which can lead to serious infections, including cellulitis or even sepsis.
- The oral bacteria from cats, especially Pasteurella multocida, can cause infection within 24-48 hours, so watch for increasing pain, redness, swelling, red streaking, pus, or fever - these are signs to seek immediate medical care.
Treatment Recommendations
- Doctors typically prescribe antibiotics such as amoxicillin-clavulanate (Augmentin) 875/125 mg twice daily for 5-7 days, as recommended by the Infectious Diseases Society of America guidelines from 2014 1.
- For deep bites or those on joints, tendons, or hands, X-rays or further treatment may be necessary.
- Keep the injured finger elevated to reduce swelling and take over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed for pain.
Important Notes
- The 2024 American Heart Association and American Red Cross guidelines for first aid recommend evaluating animal or human bites in a medical facility as soon as possible, and using running tap water or sterile saline solutions for wound irrigation instead of antiseptic agents such as povidone-iodine 1.
- If a person with a superficial wound or abrasion develops redness, swelling, foul-smelling wound drainage, increased pain, or fever, it is reasonable to remove the dressing, inspect the wound, and obtain medical care 1.
From the Research
Treatment for Feline Bite to the Finger
The recommended treatment for a feline bite to the finger includes:
- Early evaluation by a medical professional 2
- Early appropriate empiric antibiotic administration, with amoxicillin-clavulanate being a recommended option 3, 4, 5
- Surgical debridement and irrigation when warranted 2, 6, 5
- Use of corticosteroids in some cases 6
- Hand elevation and intensive physiotherapy after a short period of immobilization 6
- Prophylactic antibiotics even in case of a minor infection following cat bites of the hand 6