What to Do If Bitten by a Domestic Cat

Many people today enjoy keeping a pet cat or dog at home. But what should you do if you’re bitten by your own cat?

What to Do If Bitten by a Domestic Cat

Steps to take after being bitten by a domestic cat:
1. First, thoroughly clean the wound.
2. Next, carefully assess whether your cat shows signs of illness. Observe your cat for any abnormal behavior or recent symptoms—this information significantly influences your subsequent course of action.
3. Finally, if your cat regularly receives rabies vaccinations and has shown no signs of illness recently, you should still visit a reputable hospital to receive a rabies vaccine—and this must be done within 24 hours of the bite.

Biting by a domestic cat may sometimes express affection—just as many cats lick their owners’ hands, some use gentle biting as a way to convey positive emotions. Alternatively, biting may be an attention-seeking behavior. As members of the feline family, cats retain certain wild instincts, which occasionally surface in their daily behavior. Biting their owner can also reflect an attempt to assert dominance or social status. Additionally, biting may signal negative emotions—for instance, your cat may dislike being stroked or petted in a particular way, or it may simply be tired from play. In short, it’s expressing dissatisfaction.

The above outlines appropriate steps to take if bitten by a domestic cat. We hope this information is helpful to you.