The sharp sting of a cat’s teeth breaking human skin is more dangerous than most paw-rents realize. Feline fangs are sharper than those of dogs and can puncture deeper, introducing more bacteria, leading to infection rates as high as 50%.

If left untreated, complications can develop alarmingly fast.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do immediately after a cat bite, when to seek medical attention, and how to prevent future bites from happening.

Step 1: Stay Calm and Don’t Panic

Helping Your Pusa Calm Down

Cats bite out of instinct, usually because they feel scared, cornered, overstimulated, or in pain. How you respond in the first few moments after a bite can either calm the situation or make it worse.

• Avoid sudden movements or shouting. This can escalate fear and cause the cat to bite again.
• Give the cat space. Don’t try to restrain, scold, or chase them. If possible, gently guide them into a separate room to let them calm down.
• If it’s a stray or unknown cat, do not approach it again. Note its appearance and behavior from a distance in case it needs to be reported and checked for rabies.

Understanding the trigger can help you prevent future bites.

Caring for the Person Bitten

While it’s natural to feel shocked or scared after being bitten, staying calm is just as important for your health as it is for your cat’s.

"Keep the victim calm,” advised Dr. Willie Ong. “By assuring the person and making him comfortable, we can avoid any sudden surges in the blood pressure (from fear) and increase in heart rate. Also, a normal blood pressure and heart rate can slow down bleeding and the spread of infection.”

Here’s how to stay grounded after a bite:

• Take a deep breath and sit down if needed.
• Avoid panicking or running around. Movement can increase bleeding.
• Reassure yourself or others involved. Most cat bites, when treated promptly, are manageable.
• Begin first aid as soon as you’re calm enough to do so (see Step 2).

Step 2: Clean the Wound Immediately

As mentioned, cat bites can inject bacteria deep under the skin, leading to infections. You will need to hurry.

How to Clean the Cat Bite

1. Wash your hands with soap and water before touching the wound.
2. Rinse the wound under running water and wash with soap. The recommended duration may vary: Capitol Medical Center in Quezon City suggests “for at least 3–5 minutes,” while the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends at least 15 minutes, especially if rabies exposure is a concern.
3. If bleeding is minor, gently squeeze the wound to help flush out bacteria.
4. Apply an antiseptic like povidone-iodine (more popularly known as Betadine) or hydrogen peroxide
5. Cover the wound with a clean bandage or sterile gauze. Be sure to replace the used bandage daily to avoid infection.

To be safe, visit your nearest animal bite treatment center within the first 24 hours for proper evaluation and wound care. Most cities have one, usually under the local veterinary office. If you're on a budget, many of these centers offer services free of charge.

“Most animal bites heal without major complications when first aid is applied immediately,” added Capitol Medical Center. “However, it is always best to consult a doctor to ensure proper treatment and trauma response.”

Step 3: When to Immediately See a Doctor

Seek medical attention immediately if:

• The bite is deep or bleeding heavily.
• Redness, swelling, or pain worsens within 24–48 hours.
• You develop a fever, chills, or swollen lymph nodes.
• The cat was a stray or unvaccinated.
• You haven’t had a tetanus shot in the past 5 years.

To lower the risk of infection, your doctor may recommend antibiotics. Some bite wounds are closed with stitches, while others are left open to promote healing. If your tetanus vaccination isn’t current, a booster shot might also be advised. As for rabies, you may also need post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

“For most animal bite cases, it is still best to seek medical help,” added Dr. Willie Ong. “Your doctor will focus on the three dangers of animal bites: (1) infection, (2) rabies, and (3) tetanus.”

Final Thoughts: Don’t Take Cat Bites Lightly

As pusa enjoyers, we should never take cat bites—or even scratches—lightly. If you do get bitten, act fast: clean the wound thoroughly, apply proper first aid, and know when it’s time to seek medical attention. Infections and complications can escalate quickly if ignored.

This is one situation where the Filipino mindset of “bahala na” should never apply.

More importantly, prevention goes beyond treating the wound. Make sure to:

• Keep your cat’s vaccinations up to date. Rabies shots are required by law in the Philippines and crucial for everyone’s safety.
• Schedule regular vet visits. Pain or illness is a common reason cats lash out unexpectedly.
• Learn to read cat body language. Most bites happen when we miss the subtle signals that a cat is overstimulated, scared, or stressed.

By staying alert, informed, and proactive, you can keep both yourself and your feline friend safe and healthy.