What to Do If a Stray Cat Suddenly Bites You

Cats may be small, but their bites are no joke. A bite from any cat can introduce harmful bacteria deep into your tissue—but when the cat is a stray, the situation carries added risks like rabies or other zoonotic diseases.

If you’ve just been bitten by a stray cat, don’t panic—but do act quickly. Here’s what you should do step-by-step to protect your health and safety.

Step 1: Wash the Wound Immediately

Even if the bite doesn’t look serious, treat it as an emergency.

• Use warm water and soap to clean the bite as thoroughly as possible.

• Let the water run over the wound for several minutes to flush out bacteria.

• Avoid scrubbing too hard, as this can worsen the tissue damage.

Cat bites often appear as small puncture wounds, but the bacteria can be driven deep under the skin.

Step 2: Apply an Antiseptic

Once the wound is clean, apply an over-the-counter antiseptic such as:

• Hydrogen peroxide

• Iodine solution

• Antibacterial ointment (like Neosporin)

This helps reduce the risk of bacterial infection and keeps the area clean.

Step 3: Cover the Bite

• Use a clean bandage or sterile gauze to cover the wound.

• Change the dressing at least once a day or if it gets wet or dirty.

Monitor for signs of infection like redness, swelling, pus, warmth, or increased pain.

Step 4: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even if the wound seems minor, cat bites can quickly become serious. It’s strongly recommended to see a healthcare professional for the following reasons:

• High risk of infection: Up to 50% of cat bites get infected due to bacteria like Pasteurella multocida.

• You may need antibiotics: Doctors often prescribe a course of antibiotics to prevent or treat infection.

• You might need a tetanus shot: Especially if yours is out of date.

• Rabies risk: While rare in many areas, rabies is fatal if not treated early. It’s crucial to determine if post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is needed.

Let your doctor know the bite came from a stray cat. If you can provide details—where it happened, what the cat looked like, and if it showed unusual behavior—it may help guide treatment.

Step 5: Report the Incident

• Contact your local animal control or public health department to report the bite.

• They may try to locate and observe the cat for signs of illness, especially rabies.

Do not attempt to capture or corner the cat yourself—it may become more aggressive, and you could get injured again.

What Not to Do

• Don’t ignore a small bite or dismiss it because it doesn’t hurt much.

• Don’t skip the doctor just because you washed the wound.

• Don’t assume a cat is safe just because it seems friendly—some strays may be feral or unvaccinated.

Can You Still Help the Cat Later?

If the cat is a stray and not feral (i.e., it seems accustomed to people), you can still help—it just needs to be done safely.

• Contact a local animal rescue, shelter, or TNR (trap-neuter-return) group for guidance.

• Avoid approaching the cat again unless professionals are involved.

Your safety should always come first.

Final Thoughts

A bite from a stray cat might seem minor at first, but it carries real health risks. Quick first aid, medical attention, and proper reporting are essential steps to protect yourself and help prevent future incidents.

Remember, many stray cats are scared or in pain and may bite out of fear—not malice. Stay cautious, and when in doubt, let the professionals handle it.

Have you ever been bitten by a stray animal? Share your experience or tips below (safely, of course!).