Cats are beloved pets that have captivated countless cat lovers with their charm and playful nature. However, sometimes during play, if things get a bit too rough, cats may become startled and scratch or even bite. Or, a cat in a bad mood might react with a bite if approached for play.

But don’t assume that simply washing the wound, applying alcohol, Betadine, and a bandage is enough. Even if your cat is fully vaccinated and receives regular health checks, cat owners should be cautious about the potential for infections from certain diseases that can be silently transmitted through cat bites.

This article is for cat lovers, especially those who may have been bitten and are concerned about diseases transmitted from cats. We’ll cover how to clean wounds and perform initial self-care, whether a shot is necessary after a cat bite, and how to reduce risks of infection while keeping your cat happy and healthy.

Diseases Transmittable from Cats

Let’s explore some diseases that can be transmitted from cats to humans:

1. Cat Bite Cellulitis
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1. Cat Scratch Disease
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1. Tetanus
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1. Toxoplasmosis
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1. Cat Ringworm (Dermatophytosis)
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1. Parasites
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Do You Need a Shot After a Cat Bite?

If bitten or scratched, especially by an outdoor cat, don’t ignore it. Clean the wound immediately and visit a hospital, where a doctor can determine if treatment, such as rabies or tetanus vaccination, is necessary.

Initial Wound Care After a Cat Bite

If bitten, here’s what to do before seeing a doctor:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 seconds.
2. Rinse the wound under running water for at least 15 minutes to remove dirt and saliva.
3. Dry the wound gently with gauze; avoid cotton or towels that may leave fibers in the wound.
4. Apply antiseptic, like Betadine or alcohol, to disinfect.
5. Cover the wound with a clean bandage or gauze. For deep wounds, press with gauze to stop bleeding.
6. Do not suck on the wound or apply creams without medical advice.

How to Care for Yourself and Your Cat to Avoid Transmissible Diseases

1. Always wash your hands before eating and make sure to eat fully cooked food.
2. Wash your hands every time after handling your cat or cleaning its litter box.
3. Wear shoes every time you go outside, especially when stepping on soil or sand.
4. Keep your cat in an enclosed space, preferably indoors.
5. Take your cat for vaccinations, health check-ups, and deworming on a yearly basis.
6. Feed your cat dry or cooked food.
7. Play gently with your cat to avoid scaring or startling them.
8. Bathe your cat regularly and ensure their fur is completely dry after each bath.
9. Clean your cat's food bowl and change their water every day.
10. Clean the litter box frequently, always wearing gloves, and regularly sanitize your cat’s environment and areas around your home.
11. Regularly check for fleas in your home and remove them immediately, as fleas are significant carriers of disease.

It’s clear that cat bites and scratches can be more dangerous than we might think. Our beloved cats may unintentionally carry diseases that could affect us. Every cat owner should take steps to protect themselves and their cats from various diseases by following the tips in this article. Wishing everyone a happy, worry-free experience with safe and joyful cat care! For Krungthai-AXA Life Insurance customers interested in health care, explore more health-related articles at https://www.krungthai-axa.co.th/th/health-advisories.

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References:

·       Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University

https://citly.me/Pio1K

·       Faculty of Nursing Thammasat University

https://citly.me/7WIw0

·       Thairath Online

https://citly.me/eAyCK