What to do if a cat accidentally bites you?
If a cat or dog bites you, you should:
- Wash the wound gently with soap and water.
- Apply pressure with a clean towel to the injured area to stop any bleeding.
- Apply a sterile bandage to the wound.
- Keep the wound elevated above your heart to prevent swelling and infection.
What happens if a cat bites you and breaks the skin?
If a cat bite breaks your skin, you should seek medical attention if: you start having any serious symptoms of an infection, such as fever, chills, pus or fluid oozing from the wound, or swollen lymph nodes. the wound won’t stop bleeding. the wound appears to be deep or large.
What happens when you report a cat bite?
Any stray or unwanted dog, cat, or ferret that bites a person may be euthanized immediately by an animal health professional and the head should be submitted for rabies testing.
Are cat owners responsible for damage?
The Common Law Duty of Care The law recognises that cats are less likely to cause injury to people or damage property than some other animals. However, cat owners do have a duty at law to take reasonable care to ensure that their cats do not injure people or damage property.
Do I need a tetanus shot for a cat scratch?
If possible, keep the wound higher than the level of the heart. This will help to lessen the pain and swelling. You may need a tetanus shot if you have not had one in the last 5 to 10 years. You may also need to take antibiotic (an-ti-bi-ah-tik) medicine to help keep the wound from getting infected.
How long does pain from a cat bite last?
How long will it take for the bite wound to heal? With appropriate treatment, most abscesses should heal within five to seven days. The swelling associated with cellulitis may take longer. If you feel the wound is not healing normally, you should ask your veterinarian to examine it.