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Original poster

Do I need antibiotics for a cat bite?

44 replies

BastardyCat · 10/10/2023 09:38

I got caught in the middle of a cat turf war last night. A neighbourhood cat bit down really hard on my thumb. There is a puncture on both sides, one through the nail. It was hard and I swear I felt tooth hit bone 🤢

my nail is starting to bruise now. My thumb is swollen and the whole thing aches but it’s not red or hot looking.

I have googled but it’s a bit conflicting with the nhs saying clean it and leave it and a bunch of other (American it seems) sites saying cats mouths are a disgusting breeding ground for bacteria and you must always get antibiotics.

Would you try and get seen at the gps? Or wait a few days to see how it does?

And any tips for getting rid of unwanted night time feline visitors?

OP posts:
Ohdearwhatnow4 · 10/10/2023 09:40

When did you last have a tetanus? Can you post pictures of wound?

Original poster
BastardyCat · 10/10/2023 09:42

I can’t remember the last time I had one. I have a 14 year old and I don’t think it’s been since they were born so guessing it’s been a long while.

I can try and do pictures a bit later on

OP posts:
AutumnComfort · 10/10/2023 09:44

Almost certainly. Don’t mess around with cat bites.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

Cats General health
CrunchyCarrot · 10/10/2023 09:49

A bad bite like that one, yes do get some treatment for it.

TabbyBeast · 10/10/2023 09:53

I got cellulitis from a cat scratch so I would definitely get seen for a puncture bite

Original poster
BastardyCat · 10/10/2023 09:55

Hmm. I worry that the puncture on the nail would make it a good breeding ground. And it’s deep the other side too.

If I can’t get through to the GP do you think it’s a 111 type of call? We don’t have a walk in centre here.

OP posts:
OnOldOlympus · 10/10/2023 09:57

If the skin is broken I would definitely get seen, mouths in general are full of bacteria so I would always get any bite (animal/human/whatever) seen to, they can get really nasty. On the hand especially there’s lots of structures that can get infected and it can spread really easily, and long term go on to affect the function of your hand.

Rosebud21 · 10/10/2023 10:33

Yes, you need antibiotics

MrsSkylerWhite · 10/10/2023 10:34

Yes. Mum was told in A&E that cat bites can be really dangerous. Needed a jab and 10 days of tablets.

Beamur · 10/10/2023 10:35

Yes to antibiotics.
Keep your cat in at night? Mine stay in once it gets dark.

Darkmode2 · 10/10/2023 10:37

I'm a bit conflicted on this one as I've been bitten so many times by my cats and other cats and they've never developed into anything serious or needed antibiotics. But, it never hurts to get it checked out

Gettingbysomehow · 10/10/2023 10:38

You most certainly do, if the cats teeth went to the bone you could get osteomyelitis which may not be visible until the infection has a hold.
My cat bit my neighbour superficially and and she got sepsis.

ChocHotolate · 10/10/2023 10:39

The guidelines are for 3 days of preventative antibiotics for cat bites. Tetanus is not really required but many will give it for reassurance

Superhair · 10/10/2023 10:40

Yes. I was bitten years ago on my index finger, near joint, after trying to help my cat that had been cornered by brothers dog.
My finger swelled up to twice it size and I needed 2 lots of antibiotic and a tetanus, plus physiotherapy on my finger ?
So yes go get some antibiotics.

Rosebud21 · 10/10/2023 10:41

Tetanus booster given if needed, following gov.uk recommendations

user1471556818 · 10/10/2023 10:45

Yes get it checked out mouth is full of bacteria.

Chemenger · 10/10/2023 10:46

I would get it looked at. My own cat scratched me and drew blood at the vet and I had to go through a whole protocol of cleaning with hibiscrub etc. The problem with bites is that they can seal in bacteria because they are deep and narrow. Did it bleed a lot? I was bitten badly by a foster cat and a friend who is an A&E nurse wanted me to go in, but reluctantly said if there was no redness or swelling it was probably OK. I think I got away with it because it bled profusely and washed away the muck.

Myneighboursarewankers · 10/10/2023 10:49

Absolutely get it checked! My mum ended up in hospital with sepsis from a cat bite!

FayCarew · 10/10/2023 10:50

You don't need antibiotics but you could do with a tetanus jab.

rowbotham · 10/10/2023 10:52

I'm a vet, you absolutely do need antibiotics and sooner rather than later.
Your gp will likely do via a phone consult, it's the guidelines

greenacrylicpaint · 10/10/2023 10:55

yes absolutely.
you need wound treatment and possibly antibiotics.
ask gp if the nurse would see you.
or does your local hospital have an urgent care clinic?

Rosebud21 · 10/10/2023 10:59

FayCarew · 10/10/2023 10:50

You don't need antibiotics but you could do with a tetanus jab.

A 3 day course of prophylactic oral antibiotics, & a tetanus booster (or course) if needed, are currently recommended by NICE/gov.uk

TheSweetEndOfTheLollipop · 10/10/2023 11:17

Yes. My friend didn't get it seen to straight away, and spent 2 weeks in hospital on an IV. All kinds of toxic bacteria in cat saliva.

Original poster
BastardyCat · 10/10/2023 11:34

Thanks everyone. I got through to the GP - well the receptionist and she spoke to GP on my behalf. I’m booked for a tetanus jab tomorrow but she said no need for antibiotics. I guess I can show the nurse tomorrow if it’s red etc and see what they say.

OP posts:
Ohdearwhatnow4 · 10/10/2023 11:47

Think I'd asked for antibiotics to be on safe side, also try not to cover the wound and use salt boiled water to clean it if you need to.