Dog Bite Prevention Week started April 11th. Of course, dogs aren’t the only pets that bite. Our feline pals also sometimes chomp on people. While serious dog bites are more common and usually more dangerous, cat bites aren’t good either. The bacteria in Fluffy’s mouth can cause painful infections. A Seminole, FL vet discusses cat bites in this article.
When it comes to preventing cat bites, teaching Fluffy proper manners when she is a kitten will go a long way. Baby cats are very playful. They’re also adorable, which can make it easy to dismiss their bites. However, this can become dangerous down the road. If your kitten bites you, say ‘No’ or ‘Bad kitty’ in a stern tone. You can also just say ‘Don’t bite.’ Use the same phrasing each time. After you’ve (verbally) reprimanded your frisky pet, ignore her for a while.
Cats usually bite when they feel scared, sick, or cornered. Kitties also get very protective when they are caring for kittens, or if they feel jealous or threatened. And then some cats are just curmudgeons by nature, who will lash out seemingly at random. If Fluffy seems uneasy, don’t force attention on her. You’ll also want to be careful if you’re trying to extricate your kitty from something. For instance, if your furball has something stuck to her paw, she’s likely already upset, and more liable to bite.
Usually Fluffy will give you a warning of some sort: she may flatten her ears or lash her tail. Pay attention to kitties’ body language. If a cat seems like she’s about to attack, just leave her alone. Ask your vet for more information.
If your cat does bite you, you’ll want to clean the wound. You can use rubbing alcohol or an antiseptic. If you notice any signs of infection, such as swelling or redness, seek medical treatment.
One of the odd things about cats is the fact that they do sometimes bite out of affection. If Fluffy is doing this, she probably won’t use much force. She may also start licking your hand before or after biting, or just be in a relaxed position. This can be ‘purrplexing,’ but it’s not necessarily a behavioral issue.
Please reach out if ever we can be of assistance. As your Seminole, FL veterinary clinic, we’re here to help!
