The Truth About What Happens If A Stray Cat Bites You

Attempting to help a stray cat always carries the risk of being bitten. Bites are comparatively rare in the U.S., but they do happen. The question you have to ask yourself is whether you’re willing to take the risk. If not, leave the stray cat alone. It will likely find a way to help itself if you are unwilling to lend a hand.

On the other hand, you may view the risk of being bitten as minimal. You are willing to take that risk in order to help an animal in need. That’s fine. Just know that if the animal does bite you, you’re going to have to take some action. At the very least, you’re going to want to seek medical attention just in case the cat is carrying a zoonotic disease.

What is a zoonotic disease? It is a disease that can be passed directly from one species to the next by way of contact. Note that there are far fewer zoonotic diseases than there are non-zoonotic. Nature has an interesting way of preventing diseases from being spread across species. There are only a few that can be transferred from cats to human beings.

Before getting on to the main topic of this article though, it may be prudent to discuss stray cat behavior.

Understanding Stray Cats and Their Behavior

The Life of a Stray Cat

On any given day, you might cross paths with a stray cat on your way to work or while taking a stroll in your neighborhood. These independent, and often elusive, creatures are survivors and have learned to adapt to living in an urban environment. They might scavenge in trash bins or sneak around your porch looking for a bite to eat. Life as a stray cat is filled with challenges: finding food and shelter, avoiding predators, weathering harsh climates, and steering clear of vehicles are all part of their daily existence.

Stray vs. Feral Cats: What’s the Difference?

Before we delve into understanding their behavior, it’s crucial to differentiate between stray and feral cats. A stray cat is a domestic cat that has been abandoned or has strayed from home and become lost. They have had previous human interaction, so they might appear friendlier and approach people for food or attention. On the other hand, a feral cat is one that was born in the wild and has had little to no human contact. They are typically very wary of people and prefer to keep their distance.

Understanding Cat Behavior

Stray cats, much like their domestic counterparts, have a rich repertoire of behaviors that can tell us a lot about their emotional state and intentions. A hiss or a growl, for instance, can signal fear or aggression. A puffed-up tail or an arched back can mean they feel threatened. Understanding these signs can help us interact with them in a more informed and respectful manner.

One common misconception is that all stray cats are aggressive. However, aggression is not a trait inherent to stray cats, and is generally a response to fear or a perceived threat. If approached hastily or cornered, a stray cat might feel threatened and resort to biting or scratching to defend itself.

By understanding the challenges that stray cats face, and their behaviors, we can better empathize with these animals and approach them in a way that minimizes stress and potential harm. Interactions with stray cats require patience and caution, with the understanding that they have a different set of experiences than our household pets.

Preventing Cat Bites

Helping stray cats can be a rewarding experience, but it’s essential to approach the situation cautiously to ensure your safety and that of the cat. Here are some practical tips and advice on preventing cat bites.

Understand the Cat’s Body Language

Cats are generally expressive creatures. Their body language can tell you a lot about their current state of mind. A relaxed cat will have its tail upright with a slight curve at the end, ears forward, and a soft gaze. A frightened or angry cat, however, might arch its back, hiss, flatten its ears, or puff up its fur. Avoid reaching out to a cat displaying these signs of fear or aggression.

Approach Gently

When you decide to approach a stray cat, do so gently and slowly. Quick or sudden movements can startle the cat, causing it to react defensively. Extend your hand slowly and allow the cat to sniff you first. If the cat appears relaxed and rubs against you, it’s usually a good sign that it’s comfortable with your presence.

Don’t Force Interaction

Remember, cats are independent creatures. Unlike dogs, they might not seek out human interaction. If a stray cat appears wary or hesitant, don’t force interaction. It’s crucial to respect their boundaries. If the cat walks away, let it go.

Feed Them First

Food can be a great ice breaker when it comes to building trust with a stray cat. Try offering some cat food or treats from a safe distance. This shows the cat that you mean no harm and can often lead to positive interactions in the future.

By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of being bitten when attempting to help stray cats. Always remember that patience and understanding are key when dealing with these independent and sometimes skittish animals.

When a Stray Cat Bites

So what can happen if a stray cat bites you? Here are a few possibilities, starting from the least severe and gradually increasing to a worst-case scenario:

1. Absolutely Nothing

You might be lucky enough that both you and the cat are completely healthy. Indeed, your cat bite may qualify as nothing more than a minor nuisance for couple of days. It heals up on its own; you go about your life as though nothing ever happened. Hopefully that is the case should you ever find yourself on the receiving end of a cat bite.

Statistically speaking, this is the result of most cat bites in the U.S. And even in cases in which a victim does contract some sort of virus or bacteria from the cat, that person’s immune system is strong enough to fight it off without a single symptom ever developing. That’s why experts say people shouldn’t freak out about cat bites. In most cases, they are completely harmless.

In terms of how you deal with animals, being bitten by a stray cat may have absolutely no influence on you at all. You may treat stray cats the same way you have always treated them, knowing that the bite you incurred is an anomaly. Life continues on as normal.

2. A Bite Changes the Way You Interact with Cats

The next possibility is that you suffer no physical harm from the bite, yet you still change the way you interact with cats. This actually happens a lot, and it’s reasonable. Most of us would begin reacting differently to an animal after being bitten. After all, we have our own built-in defense mechanisms that influence our behavior.

You could be the kind of person who instantly despises cats because of that one bite. Or you might become extremely anxious around cats even though you don’t hate them. At any rate, being bitten has had a definite impact on your psyche. It may take you some time to get comfortable with being around cats in the future, if you ever get comfortable at all.

In some rare cases, people develop an unhealthy fear of cats after being bitten. This could happen to you. You might develop a phobia where none existed before. If so, you can always ask a mental health professional what to do about it. There are ways to overcome all kinds of fears.

Barring all of that, you may be the kind of person who just decides to be more cautious after being bitten. You are still willing to help a stray cat in need, but you are also a lot more circumspect when being so. You take your time, you are a more careful in what you do, and you are not afraid to pull back if you think the risk of being bitten again is elevated.

3. You Contract Cat Scratch Fever

One of the small number of zoonotic diseases that can be passed from cats to humans is what we call cat scratch fever (Bartonella henselae). There is a scientific name for the disease related to the bacteria that causes it, but that name is not important for this discussion. It can be passed to you through a bite or by the cat’s saliva coming in contact with broken skin or your eyes.

Should you be unlucky enough to be infected by the bacteria, you should see symptoms begin appearing within a few days. You will notice a mild infection at the site of the injury characterized by a swollen, red lump. That lump can also have a raised lesion that excretes pus.

The infection will usually cause the injury site to feel warm and painful. You might also develop other symptoms including loss of appetite, fatigue, fever, and headache. Any lymph nodes in proximity to the injury site might also become swollen.

Fortunately, cat scratch fever rarely results in severe symptoms. Many people who contract the bacteria never demonstrate symptoms at all. And among those that do, it is a lot like having the flu along with a couple of painful lumps on the skin. Cat scratch fever is easily treated with common antibiotics.

In rare cases, significant complications can arise from untreated cat scratch fever. This is one of the reasons experts recommend seeking medical care regardless of how minor a cat bite may appear.

4. You Contract the Rabies Virus

The biggest fear related to cat bites and scratches is the potential of developing rabies. Unfortunately, by the time a cat begins exhibiting symptoms of the disease, it’s too late. The vast majority of cats with rabies eventually succumb to the disease. Note that rabies is a serious disease in human beings as well.

Rabies is a viral infection that is passed from cats to humans through contact with saliva. More often than not, humans contract the virus after being bitten. But a bite is not a prerequisite. You can contract the virus if an infected cat’s saliva comes in contact with an open wound or any broken skin.

Rabies Cases Are Rare

Contracting rabies is a worst-case scenario after being bitten by a cat. Therefore, I do not want to unnecessarily alarm you. Note that only 55 cases of human rabies have been reported in the U.S. since 1990. Contracting the virus does not automatically mean you are going to get the disease. Like most other viral infections, there is some incubation time involved. Early treatment virtually guarantees you will not get sick.

Testing and Treatment for Rabies

Following a bite, you are going to want to contact local animal control so that they can attempt to trap the animal. Why do this? Because there is no test that can confirm the existence of the rabies virus in cats. The only way to know if the animal has rabies is to confine it and observe it for 7 to 10 days. If the cat is indeed rabid, animal control will know within a few days.

Unfortunately, there is no rabies test for human beings either. If there is any chance that the cat that bit you is rabid, doctors will not take any chances. They will immediately begin treating you so that you do not develop the disease. Treatment consists of a series of inoculations that take place over a specified amount of time. The inoculations are effective in nearly every case.

5. You Contract Rabies and Don’t Get Treated

The very worst-case scenario is one of contracting the rabies virus and not getting treatment. Here’s what you need to understand: the incubation time in human beings ranges from 30 to 60 days. In a small number of cases, the incubation period may be as little as 10 days. The point is that you cannot wait for symptoms to develop in order to be treated.

Should you contract the virus and not seek treatment, one of the first symptoms you will begin to experience manifests itself as sensations of pain, tingling, or itching at the site of the injury. It will be followed by flu-like symptoms including muscle aches and pains, fever, chills, and fatigue. You will feel just like you have a bad cold or the flu except for the fact that you also have the pain and tingling sensation at the injury site.

As rabies progresses, it begins to attack other parts of the body. Left untreated, you could eventually develop extremely high fever, confusion, seizures, and coma. Should you reach this state, there is very little that medical science can now do for you. Eventually your organs will begin to shut down. If you do survive, you will likely require the assistance of machines to keep you going.

Other Diseases from Cat Bites

While our primary concern may lie with rabies or cat scratch fever, it’s important to know that these aren’t the only diseases that one can contract from a stray cat bite. Cat bites, particularly those that break the skin, can potentially lead to several other infections that, while less known, are no less severe if left untreated.

One such example is an infection caused by the Pasteurella multocida bacteria, commonly known as a Pasteurella infection. Found in the oral and respiratory tracts of cats, this bacterium is transferred to humans through cat bites. Once introduced to the body, the bacterium can cause a local infection, often characterized by inflammation and pus production around the wound site. The infection can quickly escalate if not treated promptly, leading to more serious conditions like cellulitis, abscess formation, or even septicemia in rare cases. Fortunately, Pasteurella infections can be effectively treated with antibiotics if identified early.

Another disease of concern is Tetanus, a severe infection caused by Clostridium tetani bacteria that can enter the body through a cat bite. Although rare, Tetanus infections can lead to serious complications, with symptoms including painful muscle stiffness, trouble swallowing, and even seizures in severe cases. Tetanus can be prevented through vaccination, so it’s crucial to keep your Tetanus shots up to date, especially if you’re in frequent contact with stray cats or other animals.

Yet another pathogen that can be transmitted through cat bites is the Bartonella henselae bacterium, leading to a condition known as Bartonellosis. While it’s more commonly associated with cat scratch disease, it can also be transmitted through cat bites. Symptoms range from mild fever and fatigue to more serious complications such as heart and liver disease if left untreated.

While these diseases sound intimidating, the likelihood of contracting them remains relatively low, and they are often treatable with timely medical attention. It’s key to remember to take any cat bite seriously: clean the wound promptly and thoroughly, monitor the bite for signs of infection, and seek professional medical advice if necessary. A cautious approach can go a long way in preventing these potential health risks.

Immediate First Aid for Cat Bites

Initial Response and Cleaning

When dealing with a cat bite, it’s crucial to react swiftly. Cat bites might seem minor at first, but they can rapidly become serious if not treated properly due to the unique shape of a cat’s teeth and the bacteria they carry in their mouths. The initial step is to gently clean the wound. Use warm water to thoroughly rinse the bite area, being careful not to scrub the wound too aggressively as this may cause further damage.

Once you’ve sufficiently rinsed the bite, apply a mild, non-irritating soap to the area. This aids in removing dirt and bacteria, further decreasing the risk of infection. Be sure to rinse off the soap entirely to prevent irritating the wound.

Application of Antiseptics and Dressing

After the wound is thoroughly cleaned, the next step is to apply an antiseptic. Products containing benzalkonium chloride or hydrogen peroxide are both good choices. However, you should avoid alcohol-based products as they can delay the healing process and cause discomfort.

After applying the antiseptic, cover the wound with a clean, dry dressing or bandage. This serves to protect the wound from further contamination and assists in preventing infection. If the wound is deep or the bleeding doesn’t stop, seek medical attention immediately.

When to Seek Medical Help

In the following hours and days, keep a close eye on the wound. If you notice any signs of infection – such as redness, swelling, pus, or increasing pain – it’s important to seek medical help right away. Even if these signs aren’t apparent, it’s still wise to consult a healthcare professional within 24 hours of the bite. This is due to the risk of bacterial infections that can come from cat bites, which can have serious consequences if not treated promptly.

Remember, while our feline friends can bring much joy and companionship, it’s important to approach unfamiliar or stray cats with caution and respect. However, if you do happen to suffer a bite, these immediate first aid steps can mitigate the risk of complications and ensure a smoother recovery.

Reporting and Tracking Bites

When you find yourself on the unfortunate end of a cat bite, it’s easy to get caught up in the immediate concern of potential diseases and infections. Indeed, the fears of contracting rabies or cat scratch fever often loom large in people’s minds. However, other less-known, but equally important pathogens can also come into play.

Understanding Tetanus and Pasteurella Infections

As discussed above, Tetanus is a serious bacterial infection that affects your nervous system, leading to painful muscle contractions. Although we often associate it with rusty nails, it can be transmitted through a cat bite if the cat’s teeth have come into contact with soil or dust containing the bacteria. Similarly, Pasteurella multocida, a bacterium commonly found in the oral and respiratory tracts of cats, can be introduced to your body through a cat bite. These bacteria can cause a painful, red infection at the site of the wound and can spread to other parts of the body if not promptly treated.

The Importance of Reporting and Tracking

Now, you might wonder, “why is it important to report and track these cat bites?” The act of reporting these incidents allows health professionals to monitor and control potential disease outbreaks in the community, helping them to protect both human and animal health. Health departments can also provide advice about necessary medical treatments, as well as strategies to prevent future incidents.

In addition, tracking these incidents contributes valuable data to scientific research and public health initiatives. Patterns can be observed and analyzed, facilitating the development of more effective prevention strategies, education programs, and potentially even cures for diseases.

So remember, if you or someone you know gets bitten by a cat, don’t just take care of the wound and brush it off. Report the incident to your local health department. You might just help prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.

Long-Term Implications of a Cat Bite (Physiological and Psychological)

Cat bites, while seemingly trivial at the moment of occurrence, can potentially harbor long-term implications. Let’s break this down into two broad categories: physiological and psychological impacts.

Physiological Consequences

Physically, cat bites introduce bacteria into the body that can lead to infections. These infections can range from minor skin conditions to severe systemic diseases. For instance, the above-mentioned Pasteurella multocida and Bartonella henselae, which lead to more severe symptoms.

In addition to bacterial infections, it’s also possible for a cat bite to instigate an allergic reaction. Cat allergy is usually associated with their dander, saliva or urine, and a bite can directly introduce these allergens into the human body. This might result in local skin reactions, and for individuals predisposed to allergies, a systemic allergic reaction.

Psychological Consequences

The psychological impact of a cat bite is a territory less traversed, but no less real. A traumatic encounter with a stray cat that results in a bite can inadvertently lead to the development of ailurophobia – a persistent and irrational fear of cats. This is not a mere dislike or discomfort but a true phobia where the individual goes to great lengths to avoid cats, which can potentially interfere with daily activities.

While it may seem surprising, the bite might also result in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), particularly if the bite leads to severe medical consequences. Symptoms can include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. It’s important to recognize these symptoms and seek professional help if they persist.

The bite experience can also change the individual’s behavior towards cats in general, leading to heightened vigilance, avoidance or even hostility. This is an unfortunate consequence, as it might distance the individual from potential positive interactions with cats.

Community Programs and Stray Cats

Every community has a unique set of challenges and opportunities when it comes to dealing with stray cats. While it can be easy to overlook this issue, the reality is that the stray cat population has significant implications for both humans and the cats themselves. For instance, the risk of cat bites can be reduced through effective management of this population. Moreover, the welfare of these cats, who often face harsh conditions on the streets, is of equal importance.

Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Programs

One of the most widespread and effective initiatives for managing stray cat populations is the Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program. In essence, TNR involves humanely trapping stray or feral cats, having them spayed or neutered by a licensed veterinarian, and then returning them to their original locations. The goal is twofold: to prevent the cats from contributing to the burgeoning stray population and to maintain the balance of the local ecosystem.

TNR programs have a direct impact on reducing cat overpopulation. Neutering not only prevents reproduction, but it also reduces certain aggressive behaviors often associated with intact males, which in turn can decrease the likelihood of bite incidents.

Community Participation is Key

However, for TNR programs to be truly effective, community participation is vital. You don’t necessarily need to be a cat lover to contribute. Just understanding the importance of these programs and lending support where possible can make a huge difference. This might involve volunteering time, making a donation, or simply advocating for these programs within your local government.

With collective action, we can make our communities safer and healthier for everyone, two-legged and four-legged alike. So the next time you spot a stray cat in your neighborhood, remember, there are ways to help that benefit us all.

What Happens if a Stray Cat Bites You – Conclusion

You have learned about five possible outcomes that could follow being bitten by a cat. I think it is safe to say that no one wants the worst-case scenario of contracting rabies and dying from it. The good news is that worst-case scenarios are extremely rare in the U.S. and most of Western Europe. We know enough about animal bites and zoonotic diseases to keep such cases to a minimum.

Obviously, most people would prefer the best-case scenario. We would all prefer that being bitten by a cat results in nothing more than a minimally irritating wound that heals itself in a couple of days. But is there any way to know what would happen in your case until you are actually bitten? No. So caution is the rule of the day.

Do not take any unnecessary chances with stray cats. If you encounter a cat that you believe legitimately needs your help to survive, be as cautious as you possibly can during each and every interaction. Do not just run out of the house, extend your arm, and attempt pick up the cat as though you have nothing to worry about. You just don’t know. You might have plenty to worry about.

If you are unfortunate enough to be bitten by a cat, do not shrug it off like it’s nothing. Call animal control, trap the animal if you can do so safely, and then get to your doctor or urgent care center for treatment. In all likelihood there will be no long-term consequences to deal with. In the unlikely event that you do contract the rabies virus, you are going to need early treatment if you hope to stave off the disease.

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