How To Treat Cat Bites And Watch For A Cat's Warning Signs



Posted: Tuesday, July 17, 2007

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All cat owners will know that there are times when the cat will nip at you. A cat bite can result in anywhere from a tiny gash to an open wound. it is important to know not only what can result from a cat bite but how to treat cat bites to prevent any diseases from spreading to us.

Why Does a Cat Bite?

Generally, cats bite for two reasons only. Firstly, your frisky feline may be playing with you and get a little too rough, which ends in a chomp. Additionally, cats may bite if they are disgruntled with something you did or if they are simply feeling disgruntled. Cats are animals that like their own space and they may act out by giving someone in their range a slight nip or worse.

Treatment of Cat Bites

The best way to treat cat bites is by washing the cut with soap and water, applying antiseptic lotion and covering it up with a plaster right after the bite occurs. This will ensure that the wound is clean and free from germs.

What is the Cat Scratch Disease?

A apparently harmless cat bite or scratch could lead to serious condition called the cat scratch disease. Cat scratch disease is an infection caused by the bacteria in a cat's scratch or bite. It can also be the result of a cat licking an open wound on your body. Cats get the bacteria from fleas, and pass it on to people through their saliva Cat scratch disease is harmless to the cat but it is harmful to people who have been scratched, bitten or licked by a cat.

Symptoms of Cat Scratch Disease

The main symptom of cat scratch disease is the swelling of the lymph nodes. Other symptoms may include sore throat, fever, headache, loss of appetite or fatigue.

Treatment of Cat Scratch Disease

Cat scratch disease usually goes away on it's own. You could take Tylenol or Advil to relieve the soreness as well as applying a warm compresses onto the lymph nodes. When in doubt, consult a doctor to seek treatment because some of the more severe cases of cat scratch disease may require prescription antibiotics to heal.
 
Prevention of Cat Scratch Disease

The best way to avoid getting cat scratch disease is by the prevention of cat bites and scratches. You should back off whenever a cat shows any of the following warning signs like hissing, moving their ears backwards, meowing in an angry tone or harmlessly swiping you. Additionally, always remember to wash your hands after you have touched a cat. Lastly, if you are bitten or scratched by a cat, be sure to wash your wound right away.

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