What happens when a cat bites your finger?

An infected cat bite wound will be red, swollen, and painful, and the infection can spread through the surrounding tissues, causing a condition called cellulitis, or through the blood to other areas of the body, causing a condition called septicemia (often called blood poisoning).

Can a cat bite hit a nerve?

Because cats have extremely sharp teeth, their bites penetrate the skin easily and cause small but deep wounds. The bites can even be so deep that they damage a victim’s nerves, tendons and bones.

How long do cat bites take to heal?

Most wounds heal within 10 days. But an infection can occur even with proper treatment. So be sure to check the wound daily for signs of infection (see below). Antibiotics may be prescribed.

What happens if a cat bites you in the hand?

Cats do too, and when they strike a hand, can inject bacteria deep into joints and tissue, perfect breeding grounds for infection. Cat bites to the hand are so dangerous, 1 in 3 patients with such wounds had to be hospitalized, a Mayo Clinic study covering three years showed. Two-third of those hospitalized needed surgery.

What happens if you get bit by an animal on your finger?

Your hands also receive less blood than other parts of your body. Because of this, you may have a more difficult time fighting off infection that may develop from a bite. Animal bites to your finger are typically not life-threatening. However, if the infection from a bite spreads, it can cause serious medical problems.

What causes tissue infections in cat bite wounds?

In their mouths, all cats carry a large number of bacteria that are capable of causing tissue infections in bite wounds. One of the more common is highly pathogenic bacterium known as Pasteurella multocida.

Are cat bites less dangerous than dog bites?

SUNDAY, Feb. 9, 2014 (HealthDay News) — Cat bites may look less serious than dog bites, but beware: They can cause dangerous infections, particularly when they involve the hand, new research indicates.

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