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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:
Rosebud21 · 10/10/2023 11:57

Keep a close eye on the wound, your description of the injury suggests antibiotics should have been offered

https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/bites-human-animal/management/managing-a-cat-or-dog-bite/#wound-management

Do I need antibiotics for a cat bite?
Original poster
BastardyCat · 10/10/2023 12:03

It’s definitely broken the skin on the pad of my thumb and it’s pierced my nail on the top. I also have 3 scratches that have broken the skin and a couple of smaller claw points too.

I will watch it and see what they say tomorrow. My thumb is throbbing at the moment but not overly red or hot to touch.

OP posts:
Caspianberg · 10/10/2023 12:33

I didn’t recently. Was bitten by own cat at vets when they tried to take blood from her and she panicked.

Vet told me to be careful and keep and eye on it if it went really red or swollen. I also showed pharmacist who said the same, if it’s swollen but not getting worse then just keep clean. The pharmacist said they don’t like giving antibiotics as a preventative now, only if needed. It was swollen for a few days but didn’t get worse. I washed with salt water then germolene antiseptic twice a day for a a week. And covered with clean bandage each time to prevent dirt getting in.

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TheOGCCL · 10/10/2023 12:40

When I saw the title I thought no, but your description of it sounds quite bad so I would be seeking medical advice.

AvocadotoastORahouse · 10/10/2023 13:11

I'd be quoting the NICE guidelines at them and making sure you got antibiotics. Hopefully once a medical professional has seen it rather than a receptionist phone relay, you'll be offered them anyway.

hauntedvagina · 10/10/2023 13:12

Yes you need antibiotics and probably an X-ray. Cat's teeth can snap off when they bite.

ohsuzannah · 10/10/2023 13:33

Yes, definitely. My DP ended up in hospital for 4 days on a drip after a similar bite. His hand swelled up like a balloon 😐

RoseDog · 10/10/2023 13:36

I've had cats for forever and never needed antibiotics for a cat bite but keep and eye on it as some bites do get infected.

In future throw water at the fighting cats and they run away.

LostThestral · 10/10/2023 13:42

yes - my cat bit me at the vets once & when I phoned my Dr to check if my tetnus was up to date they got me to email a photo of the wound & then said I needed antobiotics as cat bites can cause really really nasty infections

Original poster
BastardyCat · 10/10/2023 17:17

I had a text asking me to send pictures and then a Doctor rang and said I needed to pick up some antibiotics so it seems that they have changed their mind. It’s 3 days worth but to ring if it looks or feels worse at any point. I can get the nurse to have a quick look tomorrow when I get my tetanus shot too.

feel a bit better now I know we are being cautious about an infection given all the stories about them getting bad!

thanks everyone.

OP posts:
Frazzledandfried · 10/10/2023 17:20

Yes cat bites need antibiotics if they drew blood. NICE clinical guidance below.

Do I need antibiotics for a cat bite?
griegwithhimandhim · 10/10/2023 17:21

ohsuzannah · 10/10/2023 13:33

Yes, definitely. My DP ended up in hospital for 4 days on a drip after a similar bite. His hand swelled up like a balloon 😐

Likewise. It was horrible.

muddyford · 10/10/2023 17:52

Definitely.

MyDogSmellsTerrible · 10/10/2023 18:09

Glad you got the antibiotics OP.

My cat bit me and my had really swelled up. Ended up in A&E for antibiotics (it was a weekend) and they said I definitely did the right thing going in.

Ketzele · 10/10/2023 18:57

I got a nasty infection from a cat bite once: swollen all the way up to my shoulder, couldn't use that hand properly for six weeks, and unbelievably painful. It took a couple of rounds of antibiotics to sort it out. I had no idea a cat bite could get so bad so quickly. I would push for an answer on why they think you don't need antibiotics.

Ketzele · 10/10/2023 18:58

Sorry just seen your last post. Good outcome!

Oioicaptain · 10/10/2023 19:03

100% yes!
Cat's teeth contain some pretty hideous bacteria. I knew someone who spent weeks in hospital and nearly lost their arm, having also developed Sepsis. Yet a small cat bite is prettily easily dealt with initially. Best sort it now rather than wait and see.

Oioicaptain · 10/10/2023 19:04

Just seen your update. Good call.

Oioicaptain · 10/10/2023 19:06

For future reference (and I say this as a cat owner), a super soaker is the best ploy for getting rid of unwanted cats.

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