Did you know that cat bites or scratches can be deadly?
For Nicky Stewart, trying to rescue her cat from a stray dog in her backyard led to a hospital stay and surgery after her cat clamped down on her hand.
Being bitten or scratched by a cat can lead to severe consequences in Australia, with hospitalisation being a common outcome for those affected. GP Dr. Stewart advises individuals who experience such incidents to immediately wash the wound with soap and cold water, and seek medical treatment if the skin has been broken. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports that cat-related hospitalisations have nearly tripled in the past decade, rising from 1,219 cases in 2015-16 to 3,459 in 2024-25. This statistic even surpasses that of venomous snake bites in Australia.
Nicky Stewart was one of many who experienced the dire consequences of a cat bite. In 2014, she rescued her beloved cat Frankie from a stray dog, only to be bitten and scratched multiple times during the struggle. Initially, she thought her injuries were minor, but she soon realised she was feeling light-headed and her wrist swelled up rapidly.
Stewart was hospitalised for three days, where it was discovered that she had developed sepsis, a potentially life-threatening condition. She underwent surgery to drain the bacteria from her wounds and was left with multiple scars, including a two-centimetre one across her wrist. Despite this, she still loves her cat.
Dr. Hoffman, a GP and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners NSW/ACT faculty chair, explains that cat bites and scratches can be particularly dangerous due to the sharp, narrow teeth and claws of cats. These injuries can cause deep puncture wounds and crush injuries, introducing bacteria into the bloodstream through the bite or scratch, increasing the risk of infection.
Outdoor and stray cats may pose a higher risk due to their exposure to other animals. People with weakened immune systems or conditions such as diabetes are also more vulnerable to severe infections.
Dr. Hoffman recommends that anyone bitten or scratched by a cat wash the wound thoroughly with soap and cold water, and seek medical treatment if the skin has been broken. If left untreated, serious infections can progress to sepsis, which can be fatal. Stewart's case was fortunate, as her infection did not reach that level. However, she had to undergo surgery and live with bandaged hands for months afterwards. Her experience serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of seemingly harmless cat bites and scratches.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
