Cellulitis after a cat bite: infection symptoms

A cat bite can push bacteria beneath the skin through a small puncture that may close quickly. Infection may develop around the bite or extend into nearby tissue. Watch for skin that becomes increasingly red, hot, swollen or painful rather than settling. Red streaks, drainage, swollen glands or feeling unwell add concern. A bite on the hand, face, foot or near a joint deserves prompt assessment because deeper structures can be affected.

Rinse the wound under running water and gently wash around it with soap. Do not squeeze, scrub deeply or seal a puncture with glue. Keep it covered with a clean dressing and note when the redness begins and whether its edge spreads. Arrange medical assessment promptly; a clinician may clean the wound further, assess tendons or joints, and decide whether antibiotics or other preventive care are needed.

Seek urgent care for rapidly expanding redness or swelling, severe pain, pus, red streaking, reduced movement, numbness, or fever. Emergency help is appropriate if you feel faint, confused, unusually weak, or short of breath. People with diabetes or reduced immunity should not wait for symptoms to worsen after an animal bite.

Ask whether the wound needs antibiotics, a tetanus update, or evaluation for injury below the skin. Tell the clinician when the bite happened, whether the cat is known and vaccinated, and which symptoms have changed.