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WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS Options TO PREVENT/TREAT A CAT BITE FROM BECOMING INFECTED?
* Be aware that the recommended treatments of illnesses are always being improved. This website was last update on 11/1/2024. The best treatment option MIGHT have changed since that time.
1. Every Cat Bite requires a thorough cleaning with soap and water—and Betadine (if available).
2. Almost all Cat Bites (even when there is no evidence of infection should receive antibiotics to prevent infection, which can quickly become badly infected). Generally, the only bites that do not require prophylaxis are superficial bites to the body (not hands, feet, or genitals) that occur an in exceptionally healthy person.
3. Oral Antibiotics
A. Amoxicillin with Clavulanate (Augmentin) {3 - 7 days} is the antibiotic of choice--provided a person does not have an allergy to Penicillin. 3 days for prophylaxis; (5-7 days for treatment)
B. A combination of other antibiotics
* Cefuroxime axetil (Ceftin) and clindamycin
* Cefuroxime axetil (Ceftin) and metronidazole (Flagyl)
* Cefuroxime axetil (Ceftin) and azithromycin
* Azithromycin and metronidazole (Flagyl)
* Clindamycin and Bactrim
* Clindamycin and metronidazole (Flagyl)
* Doxycycline and metronidazole (Flagyl)
* There are still more combinations--if needed.
# Keflex, Dicloxacillin, and Erythromycin have little to no effect preventing or fighting a Cat Bite Infection
E. If a wound is not responding to oral antibiotics within 24 - 48 hours, Hospitalization and Intravenous Antibiotics should be considered.
Tetanus Prevention Options:
A. A tetanus vaccination
B. A tetanus vaccination & a tetanus immune globulin (TIG). Generally people who have been vaccinated less than two times for tetanus (or for people who are immunocompromised) should receive both TIG and a tetanus vaccination.
Radies Prevention Options:
A. Human rabies immunoglobulin hRIG
CAUTION:
1. If there is any chance that a broken tooth could be in the wound, the wound should be x-rayed
2. Tetanus and rabies vaccinations should be considered, especially if the health of the cat is not known.
3. Although antibiotic pills are commonly used to prevent and treat Cat Bite Infections, they might not be effective. Contact your provider if you are not improving within 24-48 hours.
4. All medication, including all oral antibiotics and all medications that come in lotions, ointment, and creams have a risk of side effects.
5. Possible Mild side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, itching, and light to moderate skin rash.
6. Possible Severe side effects are a severe skin rash, an anaphylactic allergic reaction (leading to the inability to breathe and subsequent death if not treated rapidly), and Clostridioides difficile infection (C. Diff.) of the colon.
7. Medications such as creams, lotions, and gels should be tested in small dosages in areas of the body that are not easily seen.
Consult “Epocrates.com” for each Specific Medication’s possible “Adverse Reactions.” Side effects are also referred to as “Adverse Reactions.” Epocrates.com will tell you both “common reactions” and “serious reactions.” You will have to create an account, but it is simple, fast, and free.
WHAT ARE THE COMMON SYMPTOMS OF A CAT BITE?
The symptoms of a Cat Bites are deep puncture wounds. These puncture wounds are often difficult to clean, which makes them easy to be infected. INFECTED cat bites usually have many of the following symptoms: redness, heat, odor, pus oozing, fever, swelling, discomfort.
WHAT IS THE COMMON CAUSE OF A CAT BITE INFECTION?
All cats have a lot of bacteria in their mouth that can cause infection in a human if bitten. The most common bacteria in a cat’s mouth that can cause a cat bite infections is a bacteria called Pasteurella Multocida. Pasterella Multocida bacteria are the cause of about 80% of cat bites become infected.
HOW IS A CAT BITE AND/OR A CAT BITE INFECTION DIAGNOSED?
A Cat Bite or Cat Bite Infection can be diagnosed with a careful history and a visual inspection of the wound.