Cat Bite Treatment

Treatment for a cat bite requires careful wound care. Because cat teeth a very sharp and thin, dirt and saliva can be introduced deep into the wound. Wounds must be rinsed and cleaned completely. Most minor  bites heal within 2 weeks. Depending on the severity and location of the bite, a person with a cat bite, a person with a cat bite may require antibiotics, or surgery to repair damaged tissue. In some circumstances, tetanus or rabies vaccinations are needed.

Treatment for cat bites may include:

Antibiotics for cat bites

Wound irrigation

Rinsing the wound

Wound cleansing

Wound exploration

Wound debridement

Removal of dead or dirty tissue

Removal of foreign bodies in the wound

Tetanus vaccination

Rabies prevention

Surgery to repair damaged tissue

Cat Bites Rabies

Cats that have not received rabies vaccinations are at risk for rabies. Most domestic cats have been vaccinated. If the cat has not been vaccinated, rabies may be safely excluded if the cat remains healthy for 10 days after the bite occurs. The observation period is usually performed by animal control personnel. If there is any concern about rabies exposure, rabies vaccines are necessary within 72 hours after a bite.

Cat Bites Tetanus

Cat bites rarely cause tetanus. Most children born in the US have received three tetanus shots (boosters) in the past, because theses boosters are part of the usual vaccination schedule. Additional tetanus boosters are given every 10 years.

Those who require treatment to prevent tetanus include :

Those who have not had 3 tetanus boosters in the past need a tetanus booster after a skin wound.

Those who have not received a tetanus booster in the past 10 years need a tetanus booster after a skin wound.

Those who have dirty wounds need a tetanus booster if they have not received a booster in the past 5 years.

Dirty Wounds includes:

Wounds that occur outdoors

Wounds that contain dirt or foreign material

Wounds caused by bites

Treatment options

Tetanus booster:

A tetanus booster stimulates the immune system to make antibodies against the tetanus toxin.

A tetanus booster may be given to those who have received 3 tetanus boosters in the past.

The tetanus booster may be given within 72 hours after the wound occurs.

Tetanus Immune Globulin (TIG):

TIG contains an antibody that deactivates the tetanus toxin.

TIG must be given to those who have not received 3 tetanus boosters in the past.

Tetanus Vaccine and TIG Recommendations

History	Clean, Minor Method	Other Wounds
<3 boosters	Give Td	give Td + TIG
3 boosters	Possible Td	Possible Td

 

Clean and minor wounds may need a booster if it has been more than 10 years since the last tetanus vaccine. Other wounds may need a booster if it has been more than 5 years since last tetanus vaccine.

Thanks,

Health, February-2013