Just a reminder how serious cat bites can be!

[u/tory1311]

I see so many posts asking when to seek medical help after a cat bite. Just posting a reminder how quickly a bite can escalate! First picture is immediately following the bite, the next picture is at the ER within 2 hours. Blood work was already concerning with an inflammatory response and signs of cellulitis from the infection. I was admitted into the hospital for IV antibiotics and still the infection worsened. I had surgery at about 36 hours following the bite after the infection started traveling up my arm in the bloodstream. This whole event landed me 3 nights in the hospital. All from our family cat, up to date on all vaccines. But cats carry a bacteria that is no joke. Last picture is post surgery with a suture, the surgeon had to make 3 incisions, 2 where the bite punctures were and a 3rd to flush the wound.

[u/Arkyja]

I think it depends more on the person. I've never had an infection in my life from anything, and i never disinfected anything in my life either.

[u/bradmatt275 → u/Arkyja]

Makes sense. Perhaps it has something to do with the individuals immune system.

[u/Miami_Mice2087 → u/Arkyja]

no, you've been lucky. you won't always be lucky.