Bite wounds often infected

It would be smarter to go straight to the doctor. Swelling, pain, redness and limited mobility indicate that the bite wound has become inflamed and is infected. This happens in up to half of all cat bites. The reason: cats have sharp and relatively long teeth. These penetrate deep into the tissue. As a result, bacteria in the cat's mouth and saliva enter the wound.

Bacteria migrate inside

Cat bites in the wrist and hand area are particularly easily infected. This is because blood circulation is poor here. This is why the germs from the cat's saliva can multiply before the immune system intervenes. The pathogens can also migrate to other parts of the body along the tendons that run just under the surface of the skin. This can lead to inflammation of tendon sheaths, periosteum or joints, and in the worst case even to blood poisoning.

Anyone who has been bitten by a cat should consult a doctor because of the risk of infection. This applies in particular to children and people with a compromised immune system. The doctor will first check whether the tetanus protection is sufficient. He can treat the wound and, if necessary, administer an antibiotic. If the wound is festering or the injury is not trivial, surgery is often necessary. Scratches may look worse than bites, but they are less dangerous.

Tetanus protection

Vaccination protection against tetanus (lockjaw) lasts for ten years. If the vaccination was given a long time ago or it is unclear when the last tetanus vaccination was given, it must be refreshed. Tetanus bacteria are often found in the soil.