Catbite

A catbite is a wound resulting from a cat biting a person or another animal. Catbites are often puncture wounds due to the shape of a cat's teeth, and can carry a risk of infection due to bacteria present in a cat's mouth, most notably Pasteurella multocida. While often seemingly minor, catbites should be promptly and properly cleaned to minimize the risk of infection. Symptoms of a catbite infection can include redness, swelling, pain, and pus around the wound site, and may be accompanied by fever. Complications can arise, including cellulitis, septic arthritis, and osteomyelitis. Tetanus vaccination status should be reviewed after a catbite, and in some cases, rabies prophylaxis may be recommended depending on the geographic location and the cat's vaccination history and behavior. Medical attention should be sought for deep bites, bites showing signs of infection, or if concerns exist about rabies exposure.