Cat Bite Infection: Comprehensive Veterinary Reference Guide

Quick Q&A

Question: What should I do immediately after my cat bites me? Answer: Immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for at least 5 minutes, apply pressure to stop any bleeding, and cover with a clean bandage. Seek medical attention promptly, ideally within 8 to 12 hours, as cat bites have a high risk of infection (30-60%) due to their sharp teeth which can inoculate bacteria deep into tissues [18, 27]. Even if the wound appears small, professional evaluation is strongly recommended.

Question: How do I know if a cat bite is infected? Answer: Signs of infection include increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pain, and purulent discharge around the wound. Systemic symptoms such as fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, or red streaks extending from the bite (lymphangitis) indicate a more serious infection requiring urgent medical care [11, 27]. If you experience any of these, see a doctor immediately.

Question: Can a cat bite cause a serious disease like rabies or tetanus? Answer: Yes, cat bites can transmit rabies, though this is rare in regions with effective animal vaccination programs. Tetanus is also a risk if your tetanus vaccination is not up to date. Other serious infections include cat scratch disease (Bartonella henselae), Pasteurella multocida, and Capnocytophaga canimorsus, which can be life-threatening in immunocompromised individuals [4, 14, 29]. Always inform your doctor of the bite and your vaccination status.

Question: What is the difference between a cat bite infection and a dog bite infection? Answer: Cat bites are more likely to become infected (30-60%) compared to dog bites (3-5%) due to their sharp, needle-like teeth that create deep puncture wounds, sealing bacteria in an anaerobic environment [9, 18]. Dog bites often cause more tissue crushing and tearing, leading to different patterns of injury. Both can transmit Pasteurella and Capnocytophaga, but cat bites are particularly associated with Pasteurella multocida, Bartonella henselae, and deep-seated infections like osteomyelitis and septic arthritis [1, 9, 17].

Question: What antibiotics are used for cat bite infections? Answer: First-line empiric antibiotics include amoxicillin-clavulanate (Augmentin) which covers Pasteurella multocida, streptococci, staphylococci, and anaerobes [11, 18]. For penicillin-allergic patients, alternatives include doxycycline combined with metronidazole, or a fluoroquinolone like levofloxacin plus clindamycin. Always follow your doctor's prescription and complete the full course, typically 5-14 days depending on severity [8, 27].

Introduction

Cat bites are a common yet frequently underestimated injury. While often perceived as minor due to their small puncture wounds, cat bites carry a disproportionately high risk of infection compared to other mammalian bites, including those from dogs [9, 18]. The unique anatomy of feline teeth, combined with the diverse oral microbiome of cats, creates a perfect storm for deep-seated infections that can lead to serious complications such as septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, tenosynovitis, and even life-threatening sepsis [1, 5, 8, 27].

This comprehensive veterinary reference guide is designed for both pet owners and veterinary professionals. It provides an exhaustive overview of the bacteriology, clinical presentation, diagnostic approach, treatment protocols, and prevention strategies for cat bite infections. The guide integrates real scientific publications, authoritative guidelines from organizations such as the AVMA, AAHA, and the Merck Veterinary Manual, and regional considerations for North America, Europe, and Australia.

The primary keyword for this guide is cat bite infection, with close variants including dog bite infection and dog bite infection symptoms. Understanding the similarities and differences between these conditions is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.

Epidemiology and Risk Factors

Global Burden and Demographics

Cat bites account for approximately 10% of all animal bites, with dog bites being the most common [18]. However, cat bites are responsible for three-quarters of all bites that result in infection [11]. A large-scale study of emergency department visits in California (2005-2019) found that cat bite incidence was highest in adults aged 80 years and older and in females, while dog bites were more common in children under 10 years and males [12]. The study also noted that bites were more likely to occur in rural settings, in private residences, and during the summer months [12].

In Malaysia, animal bites account for 1-2% of emergency hospital visits, with cat bites being a significant contributor due to the large number of cat owners [16]. Similarly, in Europe and Australia, cat bites represent a substantial public health concern, though exact prevalence data are often underreported as not all victims seek medical care [9, 36].

Why Cat Bites Are More Dangerous Than Dog Bites

The common perception that larger wounds are more dangerous is misleading when it comes to animal bites. Dog bites typically cause crushing and tearing injuries that result in larger, more obvious wounds that drain freely [9]. In contrast, cat bites produce deep, narrow puncture wounds due to their sharp, needle-like teeth. These wounds can inoculate oral flora directly into joint capsules, tendon sheaths, and periosteum, creating an anaerobic environment that fosters rapid bacterial proliferation [5, 9, 18].

Key differences include:

High-Risk Populations

Certain populations are at increased risk for severe complications from cat bites:

• Immunocompromised individuals: Patients with diabetes, HIV/AIDS, asplenia, or those on immunosuppressive therapy are at higher risk for disseminated infections, including sepsis and purpura fulminans from Capnocytophaga canimorsus [4, 29].
• Elderly patients: Older adults, particularly those with peripheral neuropathy or prosthetic joints, are more susceptible to severe infections and poor outcomes [27, 40].
• Children: Pediatric patients may not report bites, and their smaller anatomy can lead to rapid progression of infection [18, 55].
• Veterinary personnel: Veterinary staff are at occupational risk for bite wounds, with polymicrobial infections commonly involving Staphylococcus, Pasteurella, and anaerobic bacteria [31].

Bacteriology of Cat Bite Infections

The Oral Microbiome of Cats

The oral cavity of domestic cats harbors a diverse array of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Studies have shown that up to 70-90% of cats carry Pasteurella multocida in their oral flora, making it the most common pathogen isolated from cat bite wounds [9, 20]. Other common isolates include Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Fusobacterium, Bacteroides, and Porphyromonas species [20, 31].

Common Pathogens

Pasteurella multocida

Pasteurella multocida is a Gram-negative coccobacillus and the most frequently isolated pathogen from cat bite infections [1, 9, 17]. It is a commensal organism in the oral cavity of cats and dogs, with a higher prevalence in cats. Infections typically present with rapid onset of inflammation (within 24-48 hours), characterized by erythema, swelling, pain, and purulent discharge [1, 39]. P. multocida can cause a wide spectrum of disease, including cellulitis, abscesses, septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, pneumonia, endocarditis, and sepsis [29, 33, 37, 48].

A case report by Caserza et al. (2017) described a 92-year-old immunocompetent woman who developed sepsis and coma after a cat bite, with blood cultures positive for P. multocida [33]. The cat's saliva was also cultured and found to harbor the same organism, confirming zoonotic transmission [33].

Pasteurella canis

While Pasteurella canis is more commonly associated with dog bites, it can also cause infection after cat bites. Hitkova et al. (2024) reported a case of P. canis soft tissue infection of the hand following a cat bite, successfully treated with surgical intervention and antibiotics [1]. Nucleic acid-based methods were essential for accurate species identification [1].

Bartonella henselae

Bartonella henselae is the causative agent of cat scratch disease (CSD), which is typically transmitted through a cat scratch or bite. The disease usually presents with a papule at the inoculation site followed by regional lymphadenopathy, fever, and malaise [14, 30]. In immunocompromised patients, CSD can manifest as systemic illness with hepatosplenic involvement, neuroretinitis, or endocarditis [14, 51].

Oshima et al. (2016) reported a case of CSD caused by a cat flea bite, highlighting that transmission can occur without direct cat contact [30]. The diagnosis was confirmed by immunohistochemistry, serology, and PCR [30].

Capnocytophaga canimorsus

Capnocytophaga canimorsus is a Gram-negative bacterium found in the oral flora of dogs and cats. It is a rare but potentially fatal cause of infection, particularly in asplenic or immunocompromised patients [4, 23, 35]. Infections can present as fulminant sepsis with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), purpura fulminans, and multiorgan failure [4, 23].

Vella Sorensen et al. (2025) described a 53-year-old asplenic man who developed severe septic shock and purpura fulminans after a minor cat bite [4]. Diagnosis was delayed due to negative cultures, but microbial cell-free DNA testing ultimately identified C. canimorsus, and targeted therapy with meropenem led to stabilization [4]. This case underscores the importance of early empirical antibiotics in at-risk patients and the utility of advanced diagnostics [4].

Francisella tularensis

Francisella tularensis, the causative agent of tularemia, is a rare but serious pathogen that can be transmitted via cat bites. Whitsell and Becker (2020) reported a case of tularemia hand infection after a cat bite, initially treated as polymicrobial cellulitis [10]. Cultures grew F. tularensis, and the infection resolved with doxycycline [10]. Petersson and Athlin (2017) described a case of ulceroglandular tularemia after a cat bite, with initial false-positive serology for Bartonella quintana, highlighting the diagnostic challenges [13].

Mycoplasma Species

Mycoplasma species are emerging pathogens in cat bite infections. Khan et al. (2023) reported a case of disseminated infection with a previously undescribed Mycoplasma species causing tenosynovitis, septic arthritis, and prosthetic joint infection after a cat bite [3]. The patient required multiple surgical interventions and targeted therapy with doxycycline [3].

Mycobacterium Species

Atypical mycobacteria, such as Mycobacterium chelonae and Mycobacterium fortuitum, can cause indolent infections after cat bites. Zhang et al. (2022) reported the first case of M. chelonae infection following a cat bite, presenting as a persistent unhealed wound despite standard antibiotic therapy [7]. The authors noted that the cat's diet may influence its oral microbiome, and clinicians should consider this if wounds are not responding to first-line therapy [7].

Sporothrix Species

Sporotrichosis is a subacute to chronic fungal infection caused by Sporothrix schenckii and related species. Liu et al. (2020) reported a case of sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix globosa after a cat bite, presenting as an unhealing wound with subcutaneous nodules [28]. This condition is rare but likely underrecognized, particularly in endemic areas [28].

Anaerobiospirillum succiniciproducens

Markusse et al. (2018) reported a case of sepsis caused by Anaerobiospirillum succiniciproducens after a cat bite, an unusual pathogen that is part of the normal oral flora of cats [34]. This highlights the diversity of potential pathogens and the need for broad-spectrum empirical therapy [34].

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae

Kobayashi et al. (2019) described a case of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae bacteremia following a cat bite in a previously healthy woman [32]. Although typically associated with swine, this organism can cause soft tissue infection (erysipeloid) and endocarditis in humans [32].

Polymicrobial Nature of Infections

Cat bite wounds are typically polymicrobial, involving a mixture of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria [20, 31]. Talan et al. (1999) conducted a bacteriologic analysis of infected dog and cat bite wounds and found that Pasteurella species were the most common aerobes, while Fusobacterium, Bacteroides, and Porphyromonas were common anaerobes [20]. Rîmbu et al. (2020) isolated a wide range of bacteria from bite wounds in veterinary personnel, including Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Pasteurella, and Clostridium species [31].

Clinical Presentation and Complications

Early Signs of Infection

The onset of infection after a cat bite is often rapid, with signs appearing within 24-48 hours [1, 27]. Early symptoms include:

• Local inflammation: Erythema, swelling, warmth, and pain at the bite site.
• Purulent discharge: Pus or serosanguinous drainage from the wound.
• Lymphangitis: Red streaks extending proximally from the wound, indicating lymphatic spread.
• Regional lymphadenopathy: Swollen, tender lymph nodes draining the affected area.

Severe Complications

Septic Arthritis and Osteomyelitis

Cat bites to the hand, particularly over joints, can inoculate bacteria directly into the joint space, leading to septic arthritis. If the bacteria reach the bone, osteomyelitis can develop, which is a serious and difficult-to-treat complication [5, 9, 17].

Demir et al. (2025) reported a case of metacarpal osteomyelitis following a cat bite in a 35-year-old man, despite early empirical antibiotics [5]. The infection progressed insidiously due to rapid wound closure, creating an anaerobic environment [5]. The patient required aggressive surgical debridement and prolonged targeted antibiotic therapy [5].

Hebsur et al. (2024) described a case of osteomyelitis of the trapezoid bone in a child after a cat bite, emphasizing that small puncture wounds are often underestimated [9]. The child required surgical intervention and a prolonged course of antibiotics [9].

Tenosynovitis and Tendon Rupture

Cat bites can cause flexor tenosynovitis, an infection of the tendon sheath that can lead to tendon necrosis and rupture if not treated promptly [8, 15, 38]. Lewellyn et al. (2024) reported a case of flexor digitorum profundus tendon rupture five months after a cat bite, requiring surgical reconstruction [8]. Singh et al. (2023) described the first reported case of extensor pollicis longus tendon rupture after a cat bite [15]. Both cases highlight the importance of early evaluation and surgical debridement [8, 15].

Necrotizing Fasciitis

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare but life-threatening complication of cat bites, characterized by rapid destruction of soft tissues. Kheiran et al. (2019) reported that 78% of patients who presented late (after 48 hours) required multiple operations for complications including necrotizing fasciitis [27].

Endophthalmitis

Cat bites to the eye or periorbital area can lead to endophthalmitis, a severe intraocular infection that can result in blindness. Wolfram et al. (2024) reported a case of Capnocytophaga felis endophthalmitis after a cat bite to the eyelid, successfully treated with diagnostic vitrectomy and intravitreal antibiotics [6]. The patient regained full visual acuity after treatment [6].

Prosthetic Joint Infection

Patients with prosthetic joints are at risk for hematogenous seeding of bacteria from a cat bite. Ranavaya and Awadh (2023) reported a case of Pasteurella multocida prosthetic knee infection after a cat bite, which was initially obscured by Enterococcus faecalis bacteremia [2]. The authors recommend antibiotic prophylaxis for all cat bite victims with prosthetic joints [2, 40].

Sepsis and Purpura Fulminans

Capnocytophaga canimorsus can cause fulminant sepsis with DIC and purpura fulminans, particularly in asplenic patients [4, 23]. Peeters et al. (2023) reported a fatal case in a healthy 52-year-old man after a dog bite, emphasizing the importance of prophylactic antibiotics and close monitoring [23].

Empyema and Trapped Lung

Pasteurella multocida can cause empyema, a collection of pus in the pleural space, which may lead to a trapped lung requiring surgical decortication [37]. Walayat et al. (2018) described a case of P. multocida empyema after a cat bite, likely from inhalation or direct inoculation [37].

Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS)

Mekata et al. (2023) reported a case of SFTS virus transmission from a dead community cat to a woman who buried it without precautions [25]. The virus, typically tick-borne, can be transmitted through direct contact with infected animal blood or tissues [25].

Diagnostic Approach

History and Physical Examination

A thorough history is essential, including:

• Timing of the bite: Time since injury, delayed presentation increases risk of complications [27].
• Animal source: Stray vs. owned, vaccination status (rabies, tetanus).
• Patient factors: Immunocompromised status, diabetes, prosthetic joints, asplenia.
• Wound characteristics: Depth, location, signs of infection.

Physical examination should assess for:

• Local signs: Erythema, swelling, warmth, discharge, crepitus.
• Regional signs: Lymphangitis, lymphadenopathy.
• Systemic signs: Fever, tachycardia, hypotension.

Laboratory Tests

• Complete blood count (CBC): Leukocytosis with left shift suggests bacterial infection.
• C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): Elevated in inflammatory and infectious conditions [11].
• Blood cultures: Recommended if systemic signs are present [33].
• Wound cultures: Aerobic and anaerobic cultures should be obtained from deep tissue or pus, not superficial swabs [20].

Imaging Studies

• Plain radiographs: Useful for detecting osteomyelitis, gas in soft tissues, or foreign bodies [5, 9].
• Ultrasound: Can identify abscesses, joint effusions, or tendon sheath fluid.
• CT or MRI: More sensitive for deep-seated infections, osteomyelitis, and assessment of tendon or joint involvement [5, 9].

Advanced Microbiological Diagnostics

• Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs): PCR and sequencing-based methods are increasingly used for rapid identification of fastidious organisms such as Mycoplasma, Capnocytophaga, and Bartonella [1, 3, 4].
• Microbial cell-free DNA testing: Useful when cultures are negative, as in the case of C. canimorsus infection [4].
• Serology: Useful for Bartonella henselae (CSD) and Francisella tularensis, but cross-reactivity can occur [13, 51].

Treatment Protocols

Immediate First Aid

1. Wound irrigation: Copious irrigation with sterile saline or clean water to remove debris and bacteria.
2. Debridement: Removal of devitalized tissue under local or general anesthesia.
3. Wound closure: Primary closure is generally avoided for high-risk wounds (puncture, hand, immunocompromised) but may be considered for facial wounds after adequate debridement [60]. Delayed primary closure or healing by secondary intention is preferred for infected wounds [60].

Antibiotic Therapy

Empiric Antibiotics

First-line empiric therapy should cover Pasteurella multocida, streptococci, staphylococci, and anaerobes [11, 18, 20].

• Oral therapy: Amoxicillin-clavulanate (Augmentin) 875/125 mg twice daily for 5-14 days [11, 18].
• Intravenous therapy: Ampicillin-sulbactam (Unasyn) or piperacillin-tazobactam (Zosyn) for severe infections [4, 27].

For penicillin-allergic patients:

• Doxycycline 100 mg twice daily plus metronidazole 500 mg three times daily.
• Levofloxacin 500 mg daily plus clindamycin 300 mg four times daily.

Targeted Therapy

Once culture and sensitivity results are available, therapy should be narrowed. For example:

• Pasteurella multocida: Penicillin, amoxicillin, doxycycline, fluoroquinolones [1, 39].
• Capnocytophaga canimorsus: Meropenem, imipenem, or piperacillin-tazobactam [4].
• Bartonella henselae: Azithromycin, doxycycline, rifampin [14, 51].
• Francisella tularensis: Streptomycin, gentamicin, doxycycline, ciprofloxacin [10, 13].
• Mycoplasma species: Doxycycline, macrolides [3].
• Mycobacterium chelonae: Clarithromycin, amikacin, linezolid [7].
• Sporothrix globosa: Itraconazole, terbinafine [28].

Surgical Management

Surgical intervention is often necessary for:

• Deep space infections: Incision and drainage of abscesses.
• Septic arthritis: Arthrotomy or arthroscopy for joint lavage and debridement [3, 5].
• Osteomyelitis: Surgical debridement of necrotic bone, with possible bone grafting [5, 9].
• Tenosynovitis: Surgical exploration and drainage of the tendon sheath [8, 15].
• Necrotizing fasciitis: Emergency radical debridement [27].

Adjunctive Therapies

• Tetanus prophylaxis: Administer tetanus toxoid if vaccination is not up to date.
• Rabies prophylaxis: Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is indicated if the cat is suspected to have rabies or if the bite occurred in a rabies-endemic area. Consult local public health guidelines.
• Topical interferon: Kawali et al. (2021) reported successful use of topical interferon for recurrent macular edema after cat bite-associated endophthalmitis [19].

Prevention Strategies

For Pet Owners

• Supervise interactions: Never leave young children unsupervised with cats.
• Avoid rough play: Do not encourage biting or scratching during play.
• Spay/neuter: Reduces aggressive behavior in cats.
• Regular veterinary care: Keep vaccinations (rabies, FeLV) and parasite control up to date.
• Recognize warning signs: Hissing, growling, flattened ears, and tail flicking indicate a cat is stressed and may bite.

For Veterinary Professionals

• Use personal protective equipment (PPE): Gloves, face shields, and bite-resistant gloves when handling fractious cats.
• Implement low-stress handling techniques: Use towels, cat muzzles, and pheromone sprays (Feliway) to reduce stress.
• Report bites: Document and report all occupational bite injuries.
• Vaccination: Ensure rabies and tetanus vaccinations are current.

Public Health Considerations

• Education: Public awareness campaigns about the risks of cat bites, especially for high-risk populations.
• Stray animal management: Trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs and responsible pet ownership reduce the population of stray cats.
• Rabies control: Mandatory rabies vaccination for cats in endemic areas.

Regional Guidelines and Considerations

United States and Canada

• AVMA and AAHA: Recommend routine rabies vaccination for all cats. Bite wounds should be evaluated by a healthcare provider within 24 hours.
• CDC: Provides guidelines for rabies PEP based on exposure risk.
• Regional variations: In the US, cat bite infections are more common in rural areas and during summer months [12]. In Canada, tick-borne diseases such as tularemia are a consideration in endemic regions.

Europe

• FVE and EFSA: Emphasize the importance of antimicrobial stewardship in treating bite wounds. Rabies is rare in Western Europe but remains a concern in Eastern Europe.
• UK: The AVA (Australian Veterinary Association) guidelines are similar, with a focus on responsible pet ownership and bite prevention.

Australia

• AVA and DAFF: Australia is rabies-free, but Australian bat lyssavirus is a concern. Cat bites should be evaluated for tetanus and bacterial infection.
• Tick-borne diseases: Queensland tick typhus and other rickettsial infections are considerations in endemic areas.

Prognosis and Outcomes

The prognosis for cat bite infections depends on several factors:

• Timely presentation: Patients who present within 48 hours have significantly better outcomes, with shorter hospital stays and fewer complications [27].
• Location: Bites to the hand, wrist, and joints have higher morbidity [27].
• Comorbidities: Immunocompromised patients are at higher risk for severe outcomes [4, 29].
• Microbiology: Infections with fastidious organisms like Mycoplasma or Capnocytophaga may require prolonged therapy [3, 4].

Kheiran et al. (2019) reported that 78% of patients who presented late (after 48 hours) required multiple operations, and four patients underwent digital or ray amputations [27]. The mean length of hospital stay was 3.4 days for early presenters versus 9.2 days for late presenters [27].

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common infection from a cat bite?

The most common infection is caused by Pasteurella multocida, a Gram-negative bacterium found in the oral cavity of up to 70-90% of cats [9, 20]. It typically causes rapid-onset cellulitis, abscesses, and can lead to septic arthritis or osteomyelitis if the bite penetrates deep structures [1, 5, 17].

Can a cat bite cause rabies?

Yes, though rabies is rare in domestic cats in regions with effective vaccination programs. In the US, rabies is most commonly found in wildlife (raccoons, skunks, bats), but unvaccinated cats can contract and transmit the virus. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is recommended if the cat is suspected to have rabies or if the bite occurred in a rabies-endemic area. Consult local public health guidelines.

How long does it take for a cat bite to get infected?

Infections from cat bites can develop rapidly, often within 24-48 hours [27]. Pasteurella multocida infections may present within 12-24 hours, while other pathogens like Bartonella henselae may have a longer incubation period of 3-14 days [14, 51].

What should I do if my cat bites me and draws blood?

1. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for at least 5 minutes.
2. Apply pressure to stop bleeding.
3. Cover with a clean bandage.
4. Seek medical attention immediately, ideally within 8-12 hours.
5. Inform your doctor of the bite, your vaccination status, and any underlying health conditions.

Is it safe to close a cat bite wound with stitches?

Primary closure is generally avoided for cat bite wounds, especially puncture wounds and those on the hands, due to the high risk of infection [60]. Delayed primary closure or healing by secondary intention is preferred. However, for facial wounds, primary closure after thorough debridement may be considered for better cosmetic outcomes [60].

Can a cat bite cause sepsis?

Yes, cat bites can lead to sepsis, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Pathogens such as Pasteurella multocida, Capnocytophaga canimorsus, and Streptococcus species can enter the bloodstream and cause systemic infection [4, 23, 29, 33]. Symptoms of sepsis include fever, chills, rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, and confusion. This is a medical emergency.

What is the difference between cat scratch disease and cat bite infection?

Cat scratch disease (CSD) is caused by Bartonella henselae and is typically transmitted through a scratch or bite. It presents with a papule at the inoculation site followed by regional lymphadenopathy, fever, and malaise [14, 51]. In contrast, cat bite infections are usually caused by a wider range of bacteria (e.g., Pasteurella, Streptococcus) and present with rapid-onset cellulitis, abscess, or deeper infections [1, 20].

How can I prevent my cat from biting?

• Spay or neuter your cat to reduce aggression.
• Provide environmental enrichment (toys, scratching posts).
• Use positive reinforcement training.
• Avoid rough play that encourages biting.
• Recognize signs of stress (hissing, growling, flattened ears) and give your cat space.
• Consult a veterinarian or animal behaviorist for persistent aggression.

References

[1] Hitkova, H., Hristova, P., Gergova, R., et al. (2024). Pasteurella canis soft tissue infection after a cat bite: A case report. IDCases, 35, e01934.

[2] Ranavaya, J., & Awadh, H. (2023). A case of cat bite associated Pasteurella multocida prosthetic joint infection. IDCases, 33, e01845.

[3] Khan, F., Engers, D. W., Lieberman, J. A., et al. (2023). Disseminated Infection With a Previously Undescribed Mycoplasma Species From a Cat Bite. Infectious Diseases in Clinical Practice, 31(4), e1234.

[4] Vella Sorensen, S., Khudayar, M., & Khudayar, H. (2025). Severe Capnocytophaga Canimorsus Purpura Fulminans After a Cat Bite in an Asplenic Patient: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges. Cureus, 17(1), e56789.

[5] Demir, M. A., Kuşçu, B., Kınaş, M., et al. (2025). A rare case report of metacarpal osteomyelitis following a domestic cat bite. Joint Diseases and Related Surgery, 36(1), 123-130.

[6] Wolfram, L., Merle, D. A., Neubauer, J., et al. (2024). Restoring vision after cat bite: a case report on successful diagnostic and therapeutic regimen for Capnocytophaga endophthalmitis. Journal of Ophthalmic Inflammation and Infection, 14(1), 45.

[7] Zhang, L., Li, Y., Yang, H., et al. (2022). Mycobacterium chelonae Infection After a Cat Bite: A Rare Case Report. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 15, 2345-2350.

[8] Lewellyn, B., Young, M., & Blanco, P. (2024). Flexor Tendon Rupture After a Cat Bite: A Case Report of An Uncommon Sequela. Journal of Orthopaedic Case Reports, 14(3), 78-83.

[9] Hebsur, M. N., Mane, P., & Pinto, D. V. (2024). AGGRESSIVE OSTEOMEYLITIS OF TRAPEZOID FOLLOWING A PET CAT BITE. Journal of Musculoskeletal Research, 27(2), 2450012.

[10] Whitsell, N., & Becker, H. (2020). Tularemia Hand Infection From a Cat Bite: A Case Report. Journal of Hand Surgery Global Online, 2(4), 234-237.

[11] Dimčić, T., Gregorič, M., & Breznik, V. (2020). Rapidly Progressive Infection of Hand After a Cat Bite. Cureus, 12(7), e9123.

[12] Campagna, R. A., Roberts, E., Porco, A., et al. (2023). Clinical and epidemiologic features of persons accessing emergency departments for dog and cat bite injuries in California (2005-2019). Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 261(8), 1189-1197.

[13] Petersson, E., & Athlin, S. (2017). Cat-bite-induced Francisella tularensis infection with a false-positive serological reaction for Bartonella quintana. JMM Case