Adult Cat Bite Treatment (Cat Bite Wound)

MD-only online cat bite triage and treatment decisions, $49 flat-fee video visit, no insurance required.

Cat bites carry a higher risk of infection than many other animal bites because of deep puncture wounds and specific bacteria in the mouth. TeleDirectMD physicians use guideline-based evaluation to determine when it is safe to start oral antibiotics and home care by telehealth and when you should go directly to in-person urgent care or the emergency department.

  • $49 flat-fee visit
  • MD-only urgent care by video
  • No insurance or prior authorization
  • Available in 25+ states
  • Secure video visit with clear next steps
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Cat Bite Triage Visit

  • Adult-focused assessment
  • Review of timing, location, and depth of bite
  • Decision support: telehealth vs urgent in-person care
  • Antibiotic prescriptions when appropriate

Rabies vaccination and tetanus boosters must be given in person. We do not prescribe controlled substances for bite pain.

What Is a Cat Bite Wound?

A cat bite wound is a puncture or tear caused by a cat's teeth. Because cat teeth are sharp and narrow, they can inject bacteria deeply into tissue, especially in the hands and fingers. Infections can develop quickly, sometimes within 24 hours, and can involve bacteria such as Pasteurella multocida, as well as staphylococcal and streptococcal species.

Telehealth can help assess the timing, location, depth, and appearance of the wound; your overall health; and your vaccination status. Our goal is to determine whether early oral antibiotics and close outpatient follow-up are reasonable or whether you should be evaluated urgently in person for possible IV antibiotics, imaging, or surgical care.

Symptoms, Infection Risk, and Red Flags

The table below summarizes key features of cat bite wounds and how they affect telehealth suitability.

Finding What it suggests Telehealth appropriate? Red flag requiring urgent in-person care
Small, shallow puncture with mild redness only Early, localized bite wound Often, yes, for antibiotic decision and home care In-person care if on hand, near a joint, or in an immunocompromised patient
Increasing redness, warmth, or swelling around bite Developing soft tissue infection (cellulitis) Telehealth may start antibiotics if mild and early Urgent in-person care if rapidly spreading, very painful, or involving hand/joint
Severe pain, loss of motion, or difficulty bending fingers Possible tendon sheath infection or joint involvement No, not appropriate for telehealth alone Needs emergent in-person or ER evaluation
Fever, chills, feeling very unwell Systemic infection or sepsis risk No, telehealth alone is not sufficient Urgent ER evaluation recommended
Bite to face, around eye, or genitals Higher risk area with cosmetic and functional concerns Telehealth can triage, but often not definitive Often needs urgent in-person evaluation
Unknown rabies vaccination status of the cat Rabies risk assessment needed Telehealth can advise on next steps Rabies prophylaxis itself must be given in-person

When a Video Visit Is Appropriate

  • Adult with a recent cat bite (typically within 24–48 hours)
  • Mild to moderate local redness and swelling only
  • No severe pain, loss of function, or spreading streaks
  • No fever, chills, or systemic symptoms
  • Ability to show the wound clearly on video or photos
  • You need guidance on antibiotics, wound care, and rabies/tetanus follow-up

Red Flags Requiring In-Person or ER Care

  • Bite over joints, tendons, or the hand with limited motion
  • Rapidly expanding redness, severe swelling, or intense pain
  • Fever, chills, or feeling significantly unwell
  • Visible pus, abscess, or concern for bone or joint infection
  • Bite to the face, eye, genitals, or deep puncture wounds
  • Immunocompromised patients or those with significant comorbidities

Treatment Options for Adult Cat Bites

When it is safe to manage a cat bite as an outpatient, treatment typically includes thorough wound cleaning, close monitoring, and early antibiotics. TeleDirectMD does not prescribe controlled substances for bite pain and does not administer vaccines; rabies and tetanus care require in-person services.

Supportive Care and Wound Care

  • Immediate, gentle washing of the wound with soap and running water.
  • Avoid aggressive scrubbing that can damage tissue.
  • Keep the area clean, lightly covered, and elevated when possible.
  • Use over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen if appropriate for you.

Antibiotic Choices (Telehealth-Eligible Patients)

Medication Dose Duration When it is used
Amoxicillin-clavulanate 875 mg/125 mg 1 tablet by mouth every 12 hours Typically 5–7 days First-line for most adult cat bite wounds without severe infection or allergy
Doxycycline 100 mg plus metronidazole 500 mg Doxycycline 100 mg every 12 hours; metronidazole 500 mg every 8–12 hours 5–7 days Alternative regimen in selected penicillin-allergic patients when appropriate
Clindamycin 300 mg plus fluoroquinolone (e.g., levofloxacin 500 mg) Clindamycin 300 mg every 6–8 hours; levofloxacin 500 mg once daily 5–7 days Reserved for specific allergy scenarios and higher-risk wounds; often better managed in-person

Your MD will choose an antibiotic regimen based on your allergy history, bite location, timing, and overall health. Some higher-risk scenarios are better treated after in-person evaluation, sometimes with IV antibiotics.

Home Care, Monitoring, and Work

Many patients with minor, early cat bite wounds can continue work with precautions, especially if the bite is on a non-dominant limb and does not impair function.

  • Follow your antibiotic schedule exactly if a prescription is started.
  • Mark the edge of redness with a pen to track whether it spreads.
  • Check the area several times a day for increasing pain, redness, or swelling.
  • Seek in-person care immediately if symptoms worsen or you develop fever.
  • Arrange in-person rabies and tetanus evaluation if your MD advises it.

TeleDirectMD provides MD-only virtual urgent care for select adult cat bite wounds, focusing on triage, early antibiotic decisions, and clear safety-net instructions. Visits are $49 flat-fee, available in 25+ states, and delivered by secure video with explicit guidance on when in-person or emergency care is needed.

Cat Bite Treatment FAQ (Adults)

Can a cat bite be treated completely online?
Some mild, early cat bites in low-risk locations may be suitable for telehealth-guided treatment with oral antibiotics and close follow-up. However, many cat bites, especially on the hands or near joints, require in-person evaluation.
How soon after a cat bite should I seek care?
Ideally, you should seek medical evaluation as soon as possible, and certainly within 24 hours. Cat bite infections can progress quickly, and early antibiotic treatment reduces the risk of complications.
Which cat bites are too serious for telehealth only?
Bites to the hands, joints, face, or genitals; deep puncture wounds; wounds causing loss of motion; or bites in people who are immunocompromised usually require urgent in-person or emergency evaluation rather than telehealth alone.
Do I always need antibiotics after a cat bite?
Many adult cat bites do warrant prophylactic antibiotics because of the high infection risk, especially on the hands and near joints. Your MD will assess location, depth, timing, and your medical history before deciding.
Can TeleDirectMD give me a tetanus shot or rabies vaccine?
No. Vaccines must be administered in person. We can review your risk and guide you to the appropriate urgent care, emergency department, or public health clinic for tetanus boosters and rabies prophylaxis if needed.
What signs suggest my cat bite infection is getting worse?
Worsening redness, increased pain, swelling, red streaks, pus, fever, or feeling generally unwell can all indicate a progressing infection. These changes should prompt urgent in-person evaluation.
Can I keep working after a cat bite?
Many people can continue working, especially if the bite is minor and not on a dominant hand. If your job requires heavy use of the injured area or you feel unwell, your MD may recommend temporary modifications or in-person follow-up.
Why is a cat bite considered higher risk than some dog bites?
Cat teeth create narrow puncture wounds that can inject bacteria deeply into tendons, joints, or other tissues, leading to faster and more serious infections than many superficial dog bites.
Do you prescribe strong pain medications for cat bites?
No. TeleDirectMD does not prescribe controlled substances for bite pain. Most discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and proper wound care. Severe pain can signal a complication and should be evaluated in person.
When should I go straight to the ER instead of booking telehealth?
Go directly to the ER if you have severe pain, loss of motion, rapidly worsening swelling or redness, high fever, confusion, or if the bite is over a joint or deep in the hand. These scenarios may require IV antibiotics, imaging, or urgent surgery.