What are the symptoms after a cat bite? - briefly
After a cat bite, symptoms may include redness, swelling, pain at the site, and potential signs of infection such as warmth, pus, or fever.
What are the symptoms after a cat bite? - in detail
After a cat bite, symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the wound, the location of the bite, and whether an infection develops. Initially, the bite may cause pain, redness, and swelling around the affected area. Small puncture wounds are common due to the sharpness of a cat’s teeth, and these can sometimes be deeper than they appear. Bleeding may occur, but it is usually minimal. Within hours or days, signs of infection can emerge, including increased warmth, pus, or a foul odor from the wound. The surrounding skin may become more red, tender, and swollen, and the area may feel hard or firm to the touch. In some cases, lymph nodes near the bite site may swell, indicating the body’s immune response. Fever, chills, fatigue, and muscle aches can also develop if the infection spreads. More severe complications, such as cellulitis, abscess formation, or systemic infections like sepsis, can occur if the bite is left untreated. Cats carry bacteria like Pasteurella multocida in their mouths, which is a common cause of infections following bites. Additionally, cat bites can transmit other pathogens, including Bartonella henselae, which causes cat scratch disease, or even rabies in rare cases. If symptoms worsen or systemic signs appear, immediate medical attention is crucial to prevent serious health consequences. Proper wound cleaning, antibiotics, and tetanus prophylaxis are often necessary to manage cat bites effectively.