Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
Cat bites are bites inflicted upon humans, other cats, and other animals by the domestic cat (Felis catus). [1] [2] Data from the United States show that cat bites represent between 5–15% of all animal bites inflicted to humans, [3] [4] but it has been argued that this figure could be the consequence of under-reporting as bites made by cats are considered by some to be unimportant.
Cat-scratch disease (CSD) is an infectious disease that most often results from a scratch or bite of a cat. [4] Symptoms typically include a non-painful bump or blister at the site of injury and painful and swollen lymph nodes . [ 2 ]
Statistics generated by the state of Ohio document that cat bites make up about 20 percent of all animal bites each year. Bites from cats can not only transmit serious diseases such as rabies, but bites can develop bacterial infections. The bite of a cat appears small but it can be deep. As many as 80 percent of cat bites become infected. [5] [6]
Infection in cats is very common with a prevalence estimated between 40 and 60%, younger cats being more commonly infective. Cats usually become immune to the infection, while dogs may be very symptomatic. Humans may also acquire it through flea or tick bites from infected dogs, cats, coyotes, and foxes. [citation needed]
Antibiotics to prevent infection are recommended for dog and cat bites of the hand, [10] and human bites if they are more than superficial. [11] They are also recommended in those who have poor immune function. [8] Evidence for antibiotics to prevent infection in bites in other areas is not clear. [12]
In humans, P. multocida is the most common cause of wound infections after dog or cat bites. The infection usually shows as soft tissue inflammation within 24 hours. High leukocyte and neutrophil counts are typically observed, leading to an inflammatory reaction at the infection site (generally a diffuse, localized cellulitis). [8]
Get AOL Mail for FREE! Manage your email like never before with travel, photo & document views. Personalize your inbox with themes & tabs. You've Got Mail!
Animal bites are the most common form of injury from animal attacks. The U.S. estimated annual count of animal bites is 250,000 human bites, 1 to 2 million dog bites, 400,000 cat bites, and 45,000 bites from snakes. [2] Bites from skunks, horses, squirrels, rats, rabbits, pigs, and monkeys may be up to one percent of bite injuries.