What is the best way to care for a cat bite?
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From a first aid standpoint, you did perfect--soap & water is the BEST cleanser (American Academy of ER Docs); however, cat bites get notoriously infected with an organism called Pasturella which must be treated by Augmentum, (an antibiotic). This infection occurs really rapidly so you will know if you are going to get this within 24-48 hours. The wound will become VERY sore, red, puffy with pus. You must get this treated at a clinic or ER--nothing will cure this that you can do at home.
2. Is his tetanus up to date? Must be within 10 years. You can get this within 48 hours of the wound at any clinic.
3. Is rabies in your area? Unfortunately, cats are fairly big carriers of rabies along with bats. Call the animal services in the area or even your health dept. They may have to trap the cats (sorry--but rabies is fatal) and examine them.
Otherwise, keep the wound clean (soap & water are fine--you do not need to get fancy) and covered with loose gauze and keep antibiotic ointment on it (any kind)--this keeps the wound moist to optimize healing. Do not use bandaids. Again, any signs of infection--he needs treatment immediately!
Unless you suspect the animal to have rabies I think you did the right thing. Just keep cleaning it and using neosporin. You may want to just keep an eye on it and if it gets infected or an allergic reaction occurs I would suggest going to a health clinic. I was once bit badly by a neighbor dog and my sister brought home an antibiotic from the vet she worked for- you could ask your local vet - maybe even catch the offending cat and turn him in to the vet
What you've done so far is a very good idea. Please watch the wounds and if ANY infection begins, get to a doctor immediately. If he would happen to get cat scratch fever, it can be very serious. A couple of months ago, someone I know was playing with his cat and was bit. He almost lost his arm. Don't mean to scare you, but you do need to be aware.
Go to a clinic, where is it usually free or low cost...what you will not be able to afford is the bill if he has rabies. This is very serious. Keep record of his temperature...use some hydorgen peroxide. He needs a shot...and it wont cost too much. Your health always subsides money...you can pay in payments...my father was sick and after 2 weeks, we HAD to take him to the hospital...he had lung cancer and brain tumors...it was too late to save...just think of it as taking a mortgage out on your health.
keep washing and put some hydrogen peroxide on it so there wont be any infection
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