Causes of Cat Bites
Cats can bite for a variety of reasons, resulting in different types of bites. Some of the main causes and types of cat bites include:
Play Biting
Kittens and young cats often bite while playing. These bites don’t normally break the skin. Play bites allow cats to practice hunting techniques. Cats may also gently mouth or nip to get attention.
Petting Aggression
Some cats bite when being petted due to overstimulation. Petting aggression bites tend to occur on the hands and arms. Cats give warning signs like swishing tail, ears back, skin rippling before biting.
Fear or Defensive Biting
Cats may bite out of fear such as when frightened by loud noises or unfamiliar people. These bites are warning bites to get away. Fear bites often happen on the hands or arms.
Redirected Aggression
After being startled or seeing another cat outside, a cat may bite the nearest person due to residual aggressive energy. These bites occur without warning.
Biting During Grooming
Some cats bite when being groomed in sensitive areas like the belly and back legs. Biting discourages the groomer and prevents overstimulation.
Understanding why cats bite allows cat owners to better prevent bites. Looking for triggers like petting too long or grooming sensitive spots can help avoid bites.
Signs of a Cat Bite
One of the most obvious signs of a cat bite is visible puncture wounds from the cat’s teeth. Cat bites often result in deep punctures since their sharp teeth can penetrate deep into skin and tissue. According to WebMD, cat bites commonly lead to one or more puncture wounds that may bleed or leak fluid.
In addition to puncture marks, there will likely be redness and swelling around the bite due to inflammation. The skin surrounding the bite may appear puffy and enlarged. This is the body’s natural reaction as it sends immune cells and increased blood flow to the area to fight potential infection. The swollen region may feel warm and tender to the touch.
If the bite area becomes infected, the redness and swelling will intensify over the next 12-24 hours. Other signs of infection include pus draining from the wound, red streaks spreading from the bite, and enlarged lymph nodes near the bite. Left untreated, a serious infection can spread into the hand, joints, bones, or bloodstream so it is important to monitor the bite closely for spreading redness or infection.
Dangers of Cat Bites
Cat bites can be extremely dangerous due to the high risk of infection. A cat’s mouth contains a large amount of bacteria that can enter a wound from a bite or scratch. According to the Mayo Clinic, 30% to 50% of cat bites become infected if not treated promptly (https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/when-cats-bite-1-in-3-patients-bitten-in-hand-hospitalized-infections-common/).
Some of the most common bacteria found in a cat’s mouth include Pasteurella, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Bartonella. These bacteria can lead to painful abscesses or cellulitis at the bite site. More serious infections can develop into septicemia, spreading the infection into the bloodstream (https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/wounds-cat-bite-injuries-to-humans).
While not as common, cat bites can also transmit rabies if the cat is infected. Rabies attacks the central nervous system and causes neurological symptoms like aggression, hallucinations, and seizures. Without prompt treatment, rabies is nearly always fatal (https://www.healthline.com/health/cat-bite).
Due to the high risk of infection, cat bites should never be taken lightly. Seeking prompt medical treatment is crucial, even if the bite looks minor with minimal bleeding or puncturing of the skin.
Treating Cat Bites
If you get bitten by a cat, it’s important to treat the wound properly to prevent infection. Here are some tips for treating cat bites:
Wash the wound immediately with soap and running water for at least 5 minutes. Gently clean around the wound, but avoid scrubbing it vigorously. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, scrubbing can damage tissue and make the infection worse.
Apply an antibiotic ointment like polysporin to help prevent infection. Cover with a sterile bandage and change it frequently.
Seek medical attention, especially if the bite is deep, you have other medical conditions, or there are signs of infection like redness, swelling, pus, red streaks, increased pain, or fever. Cat bites can introduce bacteria deep into joints and tissue, so it’s better to be safe.
Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics as a precaution against infection. According to familydoctor.org, antibiotics are often recommended because cat bites are prone to infection.
Make sure your tetanus shot is up-to-date. Doctors typically recommend a tetanus booster if it’s been over 5 years since your last shot.
Monitor the bite carefully over the next few days. Seek prompt medical attention if you notice any signs of infection. With proper first aid and medical care, most cat bites heal without complication.
Preventing Cat Bites
There are several effective strategies for preventing cat bites. The most important thing is learning to read your cat’s body language and respond appropriately.
Cats often bite when they become overstimulated. Look for signs like a twitching tail, folded back ears, widened eyes, and tense body posture. If you see these cues, give your cat space to calm down. Avoid petting sensitive areas like the belly and over-handling. Let your cat initiate affection on their own terms.
Provide plenty of enrichment with toys that allow for interactive playtime. Wands, feather teasers, and treat puzzles engage your cat’s natural hunting instincts in a positive way. Cats may bite out of boredom or frustration, so toys help channel energy constructively.
Keep nails trimmed to minimize scratches if your cat does nip. Only trim the sharp tip of the nail, avoiding the pink quick.
Pheromone diffusers can promote a sense of calm and ease stress that may lead to biting. Consult your vet about trying synthetic feline pheromones in your home.
With patience and proper handling techniques, most cats can be taught not to bite. Pay close attention to your cat’s body language and provide appropriate outlets for play and stress relief.
Training a Biting Cat
The most effective way to stop a cat from biting is through redirecting their biting impulse and positive reinforcement. As the ASPCA advises, “The best method is to redirect your cat’s aggressive biting onto acceptable objects” (https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/common-cat-behavior-issues/aggression-cats).
When your cat bites you, do not yell or physically punish them. Instead, immediately offer them an acceptable chew toy and praise them when they start chewing on that instead. Consistency is key – every time they bite you, redirect to the chew toy. Reward them with treats and affection when they chew on appropriate objects.
You can also smear deterrent sprays and balms like bitter apple spray on your hands and feet to curb biting there. And clip your cat’s nails regularly to minimize damage from bites.
Additionally, set clear rules and stick to them. For example, decisively end playtime if they bite or don’t allow them into rooms where unwanted biting occurs. Your cat will learn that certain behaviors result in negative consequences. But redirection and praise for good behavior will get the best results.
When to Rehome an Aggressive Cat
Aggression in cats can sometimes be managed through working closely with your veterinarian and a professional animal behaviorist. However, in certain situations, rehoming may be the most responsible option.
First, it’s important to determine if the biting and aggression is unprovoked or is in response to stressors in the home environment. Cats can bite or act out due to illness, fear, territory disputes, maternal protection of kittens, or lack of socialization. Ruling out potential medical causes with your vet is an important first step.
If the aggression persists after consulting experts, providing enrichment, and modifying the home environment, rehoming may be considered as a last resort. The safety of family members, especially children, should be the top priority. Rehoming to an adult-only home with experienced cat owners is ideal for cats with a known history of biting and aggression.
While difficult, rehoming to the right environment can ultimately improve quality of life for both the cat and human family members. Working closely with your vet, a trainer/behaviorist, and cat rescue organizations minimizes trauma during the rehoming process. With time and patience, the right home can be found.
Sources: When Is It Time to Rehome My Aggressive Cat?, Reddit Discussion on Aggressive Cats, Rehoming a Cat – Feline Engineering
Adopting a Bite History Cat
Adopting a cat with a history of biting requires taking some important precautions. It’s critical to understand the liability you may be taking on and to consult with a veterinarian before adoption.
Many shelters will have potential adopters sign a liability waiver, acknowledging the risks of adopting an animal with a bite history. This protects the shelter from being sued if the adopted cat bites someone. As the adopter, you take on that liability yourself.
Before adopting, have a veterinary exam done to check for any underlying medical conditions that could be causing aggressive behavior. According to ASPCA, “Cats experiencing pain or illness often exhibit dramatic changes in behavior.” (https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/common-cat-behavior-issues/aggression-cats)
Work with a professional animal trainer to continue bite inhibition training. Use positive reinforcement to reward non-aggressive behavior. Proper socialization and structured interactions can help an aggressive cat learn better manners.
Take precautions in your home by cat-proofing areas and supervising interactions with children or strangers. A bite history cat may do better in a quiet, low-traffic home without small children.
While adopting a bite history cat has risks, it also gives the cat a chance at finding a loving forever home. Do your due diligence with training and veterinary guidance to mitigate the risks.
Bite-Proofing Your Home
Keeping your home safe and free of biting triggers is an important part of preventing cat bites. You can bite-proof your home through the following strategies:
- Avoid rough play with hands and feet – Use cat toys instead to prevent overstimulation that leads to biting and scratching. Teach kids proper gentle play.
- Cat-proof hazards – Secure long cords, store household chemicals and choking hazards, use tables for delicate items. Protect wires with cord covers (Source).
- Provide vertical space – Ensure your cat has tall cat trees, perches, and shelves to climb. This prevents boredom and dissatisfaction that can cause biting.
- Confine at first if needed – When introducing a new cat, keep them confined to one room at first so they adjust slowly.
- Avoid overcrowding – Give cats their own space and resources to prevent conflict and stress.
- Use deterrents – Double-sided tape, aluminum foil, or electronic mats can deter biting spots.
With planning and effort, you can make your home a safe and enriching place for a cat prone to biting. Ensure ample play, stimulation, territory, and supervision to curb aggressive behaviors.
Teaching Kids Cat Bite Safety
It’s crucial for kids to learn how to properly interact with cats to avoid getting bitten or scratched. Kids should always be supervised when playing with cats. An adult should watch for signs of overstimulation or fear in the cat based on its body language. For example, a cat with ears back, eyes dilated, tail swishing, or crouched posture is feeling threatened and may lash out [1]. Teach children to move slowly and speak softly around cats. They should avoid picking up, chasing, cornering, or squeezing cats. Let the cat approach on its own terms for pets. Show kids how to extend their hand and let the cat rub against it instead of forcefully petting. Keep play gentle using toys like wands and laser pointers, not hands or feet. With supervision and proper technique, kids can learn to interact safely with cats.