Does A Cat Bite Need Medical Attention?

Posted on Tue, 7 Jun 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 7 Jun 2016 Answered on

Tue, 5 Jul 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Good evening I was bit by my kitten about an hour ago.. She is new to me. I washed it out with hydrogen peroxide and dressed up with triple antibiotic ointment. About 10 years ago I was scratched viacad we had and ended up with a very bad infection.. Was hospitalized and on IV antibiotic for six weeks... I have an artificial heart valve but am generally in good health. I am 63 years old. Can I just wait until morning to see if everything seems to be ok?.

Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Are you vaccinated against rabies? How big is the wound?

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about this bite that you have reported. The greatest fear is rabies and an infection. If you are well vaccinated against rabies, then there is nothing to be worried about. If you are not, then you will need to receive immunoglobulins for immediate protection. If your cat is well vaccinated, that works as well. If the bit is pointed and deep, then I will suggest that you take an antibiotic, amoxiclav 562.5mg, 2tablets thrice daily for 5days and that would be okay.

I hope this helps. I wish you well. Feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be. Above all, thanks for using our services.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar