My cat bit me...

jess!ca

So early Saturday morning my cat bit me.  He bites a lot.  We are planning to put him down soon because he's too nasty to be around a baby.  He hadn't bit in a long time, but around 5 AM I woke up to him having just bitten my arm.  It was pretty deep and it bled, but I washed it out with anti bacterial soap and put neosporin on it.  This has happened before and it was not a huge deal.  That day and yesterday it felt fine.  This morning I woke up and it was really sore and red, so now I'm in urgent care waiting to see a Dr.  I'm not worried about toxoplasmosis because he's an indoor cat, but I am freaking out that it is infected and it's going to do something to the baby, or that they will have to give me drugs that will do something to the baby.  Anyway, this was more just a post for me to get out a freakout.    I hope it turns out ok!

BitsyKelly

Odds of getting toxo from a bite are super slim... worst case is that it's infected and the antibiotic they should use (augmentin, or something similar) is grade B.  It's a good thing that he's an indoor cat, so you are at risk for little else.  Try not to worry!

jess!ca

Thanks.  Yeah, I wasn't worried about toxo, more about an infection.  I can't wait to be rid of this cat.  He has been a pain (both literally and figuratively) to live with for a decade!  Thanks for the reassuring email.  I thought I was capable of freaking out before, but now that I am pregnant, I truly understand what a freak out means!  :0

mrsoc

I am sure that it is fine, probably just a different reaction because our circulation with the pregnancy...  Good to get is checked out!

kac0807

Sorry you're having to deal with this. Good that you're getting it checked out though. I'm sure everything will work out fine.

Have you considered bringing the cat to the SPCA and having them put it up for adoption versus putting the cat down? Usually animals bite for a reason....not just for their pleasure or to be vicious as most people think. The SPCA or another shelter might be able to figure out where your cats behavioral problems are steming from and help to correct them so that he'd be adoptable.

wendyj

Good that you're getting it checked out. Should you require meds, I'm sure they'll take some care with what they prescribe. You can always double check with your OB and pharmacist before you start it if you're not sure.

Sorry about your cat. I've had dealings with a cat that was "off" in the past. It can be a very nerve-wracking experience.

June4bride2be

kac0807:

Sorry you're having to deal with this. Good that you're getting it checked out though. I'm sure everything will work out fine.

Have you considered bringing the cat to the SPCA and having them put it up for adoption versus putting the cat down? Usually animals bite for a reason....not just for their pleasure or to be vicious as most people think. The SPCA or another shelter might be able to figure out where your cats behavioral problems are steming from and help to correct them so that he'd be adoptable.

I too am sorry you got bit and have the stress of a mean kitty.....but I agree with Kac. I am glad she was able to put into words what I was thinking.

We used to have a biter, but it because he was declawed when we got him. He bit because he couldn't scratch. He got sick and bit worse....."please mama, get me some help". My mom took him for us and got him vet checked. He was sick and passed in her home. Please don't put your kitty down just because he bites....get him some help our give him up. It sounds like he is older, maybe his last years could be spent with someone who can help him?

Feel better, glad your getting that checked...I am sure it is fine and the baby will be fine too! 

jess!ca

Thanks, ladies.  They gave me some antibiotics.

As for the cat, we have tried everything.  He's even on drugs at the moment to try to calm him down.  He has had head to toe checks and he is in good health.  They think that he was not weaned and that is part of his problem.  I have had more than 1 vet tell me the best thing to would be to put him to sleep, but we will ask again before we go forward with that.

kac0807

jess!ca:

Thanks, ladies.  They gave me some antibiotics.

As for the cat, we have tried everything.  He's even on drugs at the moment to try to calm him down.  He has had head to toe checks and he is in good health.  They think that he was not weaned and that is part of his problem.  I have had more than 1 vet tell me the best thing to would be to put him to sleep, but we will ask again before we go forward with that.

So glad you are doing ok and got some antibiotics! I know these things can be scary especially when you are pregnant.

I think it's great that you have already tried some different things to help your kitty because I know many people don't. As a last resort, in my experiences with these things Vets are not always the best person to give advice on behavior issues. I think talking to an animal behavioralist...which now days there are many around...most trainers have this schooling or someone at a shelter that works with problem animals a lot might be your best resource. To me Vets are always quick to perscribe medicine to help behavior problems or suggest putting them to sleep.

mommabird77

I'm so sorry you got bit!  I would be pissssssed!  Glad they gave you something to help.

Do what you feel is right for your cat.  I agree with you though, that cat would not be living in my house much longer (though I am not a cat person to begin with).

abba916

that little Bas!ard...I hope you are ok...

FortMyersBride

Glad you are getting it checked out! Our oldest cat scratched me on the arm (deep scratch) several years ago and I developed a Bartonella henselae infection (aka cat scratch/bite fever). The site was very inflamed and swollen, and I had swollen lymph nodes in my armpit. I happened to be teaching microbiology at the time, so I cultured the bacteria from my arm myself! It required a 14 day antibiotic course, but started clearing up right away. GL!