What to do if a cat bite breaks the skin and causes bleeding
Nov 15, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Shaolong
Introduction
A cat bite that breaks the skin and causes bleeding may easily introduce the rabies virus into the body through the cat's saliva, potentially leading to rabies. Immediately wash and soak the wound repeatedly with saline solution, hydrogen peroxide, and iodophor. After cleaning, apply an external antibiotic ointment such as Bactroban (mupirocin) or tetracycline eye ointment, then properly cover the wound with a small dressing or adhesive bandage. It is essential to receive the rabies vaccine promptly within 24 hours after the bite.
If a cat bite causes bleeding, the virus may easily enter the human body through saliva, potentially leading to rabies. Immediate treatment is necessary, as outlined below:
1. Disinfection: Promptly clean and soak the wound with normal saline, hydrogen peroxide, and iodophor.
2. Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial treatment: After cleaning, apply topical Bactroban ointment or chlortetracycline eye ointment to protect the wound and reduce inflammation and bacterial infection.
3. Wound dressing: Properly cover the wound with a small adhesive pad or bandage to prevent secondary contamination from dryness or dust.
4. Vaccination: Rabies vaccine should be administered promptly within 24 hours after the bite to prevent the onset of rabies.
