Blood poisoning from a cat bite: what should you know?

A cat's narrow teeth can leave a small-looking puncture that closes over while bacteria remain deeper in the tissue. Infection may begin around the wound as Cellulitis, with increasing redness, warmth, swelling, tenderness or discharge. If infection spreads, a person may feel generally unwell, develop Fever or Chills, or notice Generalised Weakness. Sepsis is the term for a dangerous body-wide response to infection; it is not diagnosed from the bite alone.

Wash the wound promptly with running water and soap, remove rings near a bitten finger, and cover it with a clean dressing. Do not close a puncture with glue or try to drain it yourself. Seek medical advice promptly even when the wound looks minor, especially if it is on a hand, finger, face or near a joint. A clinician can assess depth, cleaning, antibiotics, tetanus protection and whether the cat's health or vaccination history changes the plan.

Go to emergency care for confusion, fainting, breathing difficulty, severe weakness, rapidly spreading redness, severe pain, or a wound that cannot be cleaned. Urgent review is also needed with fever, chills, vomiting, a racing heartbeat, reduced urination or red streaking from the wound. Do not wait for symptoms to become severe if you have a weakened immune system, diabetes or poor circulation.

Ask whether the puncture involves a tendon, joint or bone, whether antibiotics are appropriate, and when to return if redness or pain changes. Share the bite time, wound location, cat details, allergies and your tetanus history.