Cats are great, but no matter who you are or how old you are, it’s possible to get bitten by one. Even if the cat that bit you is familiar, cat bites can be cause for concern.

Our AFC Urgent Care Clemson team explains why below.

What Should I Do If I’ve Been Bitten by a Cat?

Before thinking about if you need to visit the doctor for your bite, the first thing you should do is perform first aid on the wound.

Once you’ve performed the below-listed first aid, visit our AFC center quickly. Even if the bite doesn’t look that deep, cat bites have a high risk of infection since their teeth are sharp and can penetrate very deeply, which can seed bacteria under your skin.

First-Aid Steps for Cat Bites

• Stop the wound from bleeding by applying direct pressure with a clean, dry cloth.
• Wash the wound. Use mild soap and warm, running water. Rinse the bite for three to five minutes.
• Apply an antibacterial ointment to the wound. This may help reduce the risk for infection.
• Put on a dry, sterile bandage.
• If the bite is on the neck, head, face, hand, fingers or feet, visit our AFC center ASAP.

Is There a Spot Where a Cat Bite Is Most Dangerous?

It might sound silly, but a cat bite sustained on the hand is one of the most dangerous locations. But why? Like we said earlier, cat teeth are sharp, and they can deeply penetrate the skin.

Hands consist of many small joints and tendons, and cat bites on the hand can cause real problems because the bacteria from the teeth get into the tendon sheath or joints, which can provide protection from the blood and immune system, causing the bacteria to grow and spread. This can make the bites tough to treat with normal antibiotics, and it also makes hand bites more susceptible to infection.

Signs of Cat Bite Infection

• Redness or discoloration
• Swelling
• Inflammation
• Warmth
• A bump or blister where the bite wound is located

Have you been bitten? If so, don’t wait to visit our AFC Urgent Care Clemson center ASAP!