cat bite

I have been bitten several times in 3 fingers by a feral 6 wk old kitten. Within 5 minutes of the bites being inflicted, I bled the wounds and washed them well. I applied an 'inadine' gauze with a dry dressing for approx 10 hours.
It is approx 26 hours since the bites and the bites are more painful than they were, slightly red and warm. I know I ought to visit my doc, but it is the weekend and it didn't seem that bad at the time. I will see the doc tomorrow unless you think it is not necessary. I do not have a fever, but my normal body temp is low anyway and I may not show a fever (usually between 34.7 - 35.5). I do have a neurological condition which I believe is responsible for the low body temp.
Any advice you can give me will be greatly appreciated.
Lisariu

[opus88]

Lisa, cat bites are the worst bites anyone can get...especially a feral who may have rabies or a host of other diseases that a domestic cat may not.
The redness and warmth indicate an infection...

Have you had a tetnus vacinne within the past 10yrs?

I'm not a doctor, but I will tell you if the redness should get any worse or spread get to an ER  immediately....this happened to me recently and the doctor there said it was a good thing I came in when I did.

That said I have also had MANY smaller bites from my OWN cats over the years, they do get red and sore....but IMO  only mildly AND I know my own cats have had all their vaccinations, esp. rabies. These bites would clear within a day or two.

I can't tell you what to do. If you decide against going to an ER than please watch the bite carefully until tomorrow. Like I said if the redness should begin to spread don't hesitate..

♥Opus

[opus88]

Lisa, cat bites are the worst bites anyone can get...especially a feral who may have rabies or a host of other diseases that a domestic cat may not.
The redness and warmth indicate an infection...

Have you had a tetnus vacinne within the past 10yrs?

I'm not a doctor, but I will tell you if the redness should get any worse or spread get to an ER  immediately....this happened to me recently and the doctor there said it was a good thing I came in when I did.

That said I have also had MANY smaller bites from my OWN cats over the years, they do get red and sore....but IMO  only mildly AND I know my own cats have had all their vaccinations, esp. rabies. These bites would clear within a day or two.

I can't tell you what to do. If you decide against going to an ER than please watch the bite carefully until tomorrow. Like I said if the redness should begin to spread don't hesitate..

♥Opus

[LisaRiu]

Hi,
Thanks for the advice. It has probably been 20+ years since my last tetanus jab, so think I might go for one.
The bites are slightly less painful today, but still red around each puncture wound. I will keep my eye on them and get them looked at tomorrow at the hospital. I won't bother with the doc because I am due at the hospital tomorrow.
I don't appear to have any signs of infection - yet, no fever or puss coming from the wounds so I think I might live. I was bitten on sat approx 6pm so I know there's still time for problems to develop.
thanks again for the advice
Lisa

[skepticalpeach]

I would definitely go to the ER. It's better to be safe than sorry. The docs won't get mad at you for wanting to make sure everything is ok. I've been bitten by plenty of animals, cats, bunnies, hamsters and I have never had the reaction to the bit that you are describing. Stay well!

[LisaRiu]

Thankyou for the responses. As it happens, I did not get a tetanus jab or any antibiotics. I decided to 'wait and see' because the bites were becoming less painful and less red each day, so I knew the risk of infection had passed. Also, I live in Spain and it is sometimes difficult with the communication. I am only slightly concerned about tetanus now so will just monitor the situation. I'm sure the way I dealt with the bite saved me from infection. There are many more semi feral cats around my home, so I don't expect this will be the last bite I ever receive.
But thanks again for all your advice.