Given the amount of interaction humans have with cats, it is hardly surprising that most cats commonly inflict bites and injuries, especially in children. A wound that could also result from a scuffle with another dog, cat, or even a wild animal like a possum is a common form of injury included in the cat injury profile an owner can expect. To avoid infection and ensure proper healing, you must act immediately if you notice possum bite marks on your cat. This article will walk you through identifying, handling, and preventing cat bite wounds.
Cat Wound Types
An injury that harms your cat's skin or tissues is called a cat wound. There are two kinds of wounds: open and closed.
- Torn, sliced, or pierced skin is known as an open wound. Typically, burns, bites, or falls are the reason.
- A bruise is an example of a closed wound, which is under the skin and not exposed to the air.
These are a few of the typical wounds that cats get.
Wounds From Punctures
A puncture wound is a tiny, often profound hole brought on by scratches, bites, and foreign objects like thorns and glass awns that penetrate the skin.
Bite injuries
Disputes with other animals, especially other cats, can end in bite injuries. There are abrasions or punctures to the skin and underlying tissues. Cats may also get bite wounds from insects.
Very rarely, cats may get rabies via bite wounds from an infected animal.
Abrasions
Even mild abrasions generally heal on their own. The wound is infected if there is pus, bleeding, swelling, or a foul odor. See a doctor right away for this or if your cat seems definitely unhappy.
Abscesses
Under the skin, abscesses are walled infections. Usually, they are caused by bacteria. Your pet needs a complete draining and cleaning by a veterinarian since a feline abscess can cause cellulitis, fever, and discomfort.
Sores
Different layers of your cat's skin are affected by sores. These cat wounds have the potential to cause tissue death if left untreated. Because they often take a long time to heal, sores need to be appropriately managed to avoid infection.
Blisters
Small, prominent swelling of the skin's outer layer, blisters are filled with a transparent, watery liquid that separates from the blood.
Although they typically come on with burns or microbial infections, they may possibly indicate something more serious, like skin cancer or an autoimmune disease.
Signs of Cat Bite Injuries
Sometimes, it will be clear that your feline has been engaged in a fight. Either your cat will show up with an open wound, or the owner will be there for the battle. Sometimes, dense fur could cover deeper wounds. Also, punctures with little to no blood may result from bite wounds. Infection that occurs later may be the sole sign of a bite wound in certain situations. The following are indicators that your cat could have a bite wound:
- A visible wound or damage
- Skin puncture marks
- Unwillingness to be wrapped or touched
- An elevated lump or abscess where the bite occurred
- Fever from an infection brought on by inadequate wound care
- Appetite loss
- Lethargy brought on either pain or an illness
- Limping
- An unpleasant odor
What happens if my cat gets a wound?
Cat bites may lead to one or more puncture wounds created by the teeth of the attacking cat on the skin of the bitten animal. The holes and wound pockets that usually develop between the skin and the subcutaneous tissue become contaminated with bacteria from the mouth and the environment of the attacking cat. Over time, they may develop there while creating an abscess. The abscess may form under the skin and grow, getting bigger because the hole in the skin caused by the tooth typically heals more quickly than the body can handle germs. The abscess may eventually enlarge to the point of bursting. The owner often discovers the lesion at this point and visits the veterinarian because the cat is unhappy and its hair becomes sticky with pus.
How To Treat a Cat Bite
Treating a cat bite needs some basic emergency care skills. In addition, you must use care while handling a cat that could be scared or sick.
When a cat bite happens, do the following easy actions:
- Take the injured person away from the cat. The owner is the most competent individual to handle the cat safely if they're present. Until there is an achievable goal that the cat won't attack again, avoid starting therapy.
- Whenever feasible, take conventional steps to safeguard both the wounded individual and yourself if you are treating them. Wearing protective gloves and cleaning your hands are part of this, particularly if there is severe bleeding.
- Apply direct pressure to the cut, covering it with cotton or a clean cloth and pressing diligently until the bleeding stops. Raise the part in question above the level of the heart if the bleeding is on the arm or leg.
- Don't take off the cloth if it bleeds. Rather, cover it with another towel and continue pressing.
- Putting a pressure dressing is a choice if direct pressure cannot be maintained for a long time. (A tourniquet, which is rarely advised for anything other than serious cuts, is not the same as a pressure dressing.)
- Use soap and warm water to clean the wound once the bleeding has ceased. Any ordinary soap will work. Rinse well with water in order to get rid of any residual particles.
- Put on a fresh, dry dressing over the wound. Although it's typically not required, you may apply antibiotic ointment to the bite before covering.
Contact your local animal protection officials if the cat feels sick or is a stray. If the cat looks fearful or unhappy, do not try to confine it; you risk hurting both the cat and yourself.
How to Keep Cats Safe from Possum Bites
Use these precautions to lessen the possibility that a possum may bite your cat:
- Because the possums are most active at night, keep your cat indoors.
- Pet food and trash cans should be locked to keep possums out of your yard.
- In basements, garages, and sheds where possums could hide, seal any possible access sites.
- Use a safe cat cage or keep an eye on outside activities.
If you see possum bite marks on a cat, you must take immediate action to avoid complications and infections. Your cat's safe wound healing rests on keen wound management, watching for the tell-tale signs of infection, and vet assistance when needed. To prevent such clashes from being repeated, do not ensnare or confine your cat inside the house and yard. Should your cat show signs of declining health following a bite wound, then it is wise to consult a vet. Taking these simple precautions will keep injuries away from feline friends and help maintain their health in general.
