Last Monday’s article talked about dealing with cat bites. This week, Dr. Wood and Dr. Palazzolo will describe how to prevent them.
Photo by Alexandro900.
Prevention of cat bites is always the best treatment for them. Cats may seem unpredictable, but our feline friends often exhibit signs that are indicators that they are becoming stressed and could become aggressive. Look for hissing, swatting with the front paws, or growling. When ears flatten and hair on the back stands up, you are getting a final warning.
Sometimes, these behaviors are subtle— tail flicking or pupil dilation, for example. Their body language may also indicate that they are stressed or do not wish to be touched. If they crouch or back into a corner, it is best not to try to touch them until their body posture relaxes and they move to a location where they do not feel threatened.
Children often miss the signs that a cat is ready to bite. While some cats are incredibly patient, others do not tolerate children pulling on their ears and tail, and this may provoke an attack. Give your cat a chance to get away from a child that is stressing it and wait for the animal to calm down.
Bite wounds from cats to other animals are common, which is another of the many reasons to keep your pet’s rabies vaccine current. If your pet is bitten by an unknown or stray cat, do not attempt to touch or catch the other cat. Notify your local animal control agency, because this animal could pose a threat to other animals, and also to yourself.
You can read more about rabies and many other feline and canine disease topics on our website.