To call NHS 24 over a minor cat bite?

60 replies

JustAnotherThursday · 18/10/2025 21:23

My friend just received a minor cat bite. He has washed the bite and intends to just leave it. I think he should check if he needs a tetanus shot, or something. He thinks this is overkill. Who's correct?

OP posts:

Solost92 · 18/10/2025 21:31

I had a minor bite get infected and ended up in hospital for 2 weeks and having surgery under GA.

A few months ago I had a bite and rang 111 and they just sent a prescription for antibiotics straight to my pharmacy

thecatfromneptune · 18/10/2025 21:29

This happened to DH when he was play fighting with the cat and she got a bit over enthusiastic. 111 triaged him to OOH immediately and he was given a tetanus booster plus antibiotics for the cat bite.

My mum’s cat also bit her accidentally when it was going for a bird and my mum got in the way. Ditto, GP immediately prescribed antibiotics and said that you don’t take chances with a cat bite. (Mum was up to date with tetanus so no need for an additional booster.)

helpfulperson · 18/10/2025 21:28

he definitely needs to be seen and his tetanus checked and antibiotics given. NHS 24 should be able to arrange an OOH appointment for tomorrow. I had a cat bite and phoned my GP surgery who slotted me in as an emergency. When I went into the appointment my GP had the tetanus shot ready because my records had been checked and there was no record of one. They will be treated very seriously.

BertieBotts · 18/10/2025 21:27

Actually NHS says call 111 if the bite is on the hand: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/animal-and-human-bites/

Animal and human bites

Find out what to do if you’ve been bitten by an animal or person, including first aid advice, when to get medical help and what treatment you may need.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/animal-and-human-bites

TheBlueHotel · 18/10/2025 21:27

Jesus what an overreaction 😆 I have an arsehole cat and he's bitten me and other family members more times than I can even count and nothing bad has ever happened. Just wash in warm soapy water and keep an eye.

BertieBotts · 18/10/2025 21:26

It might be a funny angle of the photo, but the area already looks swollen.

BertieBotts · 18/10/2025 21:26

He needs to go to A&E or minor injuries. Cat bites are notorious for going septic and need preventative antibiotic shots.

Tetanus booster won't hurt but isn't really necessary.

He can always phone 111 or ask a pharmacist if he doesn't want to be turned away.

XenoBitch · 18/10/2025 21:26

He will need antibiotics. Cat bites can be very dangerous. I knew someone who ended up admitted to hospital on IV antibiotics after they thought that just keeping it clean would be enough. Their arm blew up and they nearly lost it.

SarahJane03 · 18/10/2025 21:24

If his tetunus is not up to date and he gets other symptoms, he is in trouble!

Beachwalks2 · 18/10/2025 21:24

Cat bites are the dirtiest bites you can get. He will need a tetanus booster and if it broke the skin he will need prophylactic antibiotics

Edit - just saw the pic, yeah he needs seen at minor injuries for tetanus and antibiotics

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