From the Guidelines
Cat bites require immediate medical attention due to their high risk of infection, and antibiotics such as amoxicillin-clavulanate (Augmentin) 875/125 mg twice daily for 5-7 days are likely to be prescribed to prevent infection, as recommended by the Infectious Diseases Society of America 1. The management of cat bites involves several key steps to prevent infection and promote healing.
- Cleaning the wound thoroughly with soap and water for at least 5 minutes is essential to remove bacteria and debris.
- Applying an antiseptic like povidone-iodine can help reduce the risk of infection.
- Seeking medical care promptly is crucial, especially for deep or hand wounds, as intravenous antibiotics may be necessary. Cat mouths contain bacteria like Pasteurella multocida that can cause rapid infection within 24-48 hours, characterized by redness, swelling, pain, and pus 1. If you haven't had a tetanus shot in the last 5 years, you'll need one. It's also important to monitor the wound for signs of worsening infection, including:
- Increased pain
- Redness
- Swelling
- Warmth
- Red streaks extending from the wound
- Fever
- Pus drainage These symptoms require immediate medical attention as infections from cat bites can progress rapidly and cause serious complications, especially with bites on hands, joints, or tendons 1.
From the Research
Cat Bite Overview
- Cat bites can lead to serious infections, with Pasteurella multocida being a common cause of infection, isolated in over half of all cat bite wounds 2.
- The risk of infection is higher for cat bite wounds on the hand 2, 3.
- Factors associated with wound infections include older age, longer time intervals until treatment, wounds inflicted by pet cats, attempting wound care at home, and having a more severe or deeper wound 3.
Treatment and Management
- Amoxicillin-clavulanate is recommended for the outpatient treatment of dog and cat bite wounds 2.
- Wound cleaning, debridement, and suturing (if indicated) are important steps in managing cat bite wounds 3, 4.
- Prophylactic antibiotics should be considered for patients with high-risk bite wounds or those at risk for serious wound infection complications 4, 5.
- Primary closure of the wound should be considered only for bites in which the concerns about cosmetic outcome outweigh the risk of infection 5.
Complications and Prevention
- Late complications, such as tendon lesions or purulent flexor tenosynovitis, can occur if cat bite wounds are not properly treated 4.
- Prompt assessment and treatment can prevent most bite wound complications 6.
- Patients who present with symptoms of tissue infection due to a cat bite should be examined adequately and may need admission 4.