My pet has been bitten by a cat – what should I do?
Cat bites, usually to another cat, are a common injury in veterinary practice. They occur when cats fight one another, usually over territory. While these are not a life-threatening emergency, your cat will need treatment.
Cat’s mouths are full of bacteria. When these are passed into the skin by a bite, they can form large, painful abscesses. This can lead to high fevers and a depressed, lethargic cat.
Your cat should see a vet within the first 24 hours after a bite, where treatment with antibiotics and painkillers will be needed. If a particularly large abscess has formed, your cat may require sedation to have the abscess lanced and flushed out.
A final word on cat bites – neutered cats are less likely to fight than unneutered cats, especially males. This is another reason why we always advise having your pet neutered.