[5][6] Though uncommon, cat bites can sometimes transmit rabies, cause health complications, and even, though very rarely, lead to death.

[3] Sometimes, direct tissue damage from the cat bite can impair mobility or cause tenosynovitis or arthritis.

[3][4] Some unusual complications, like deep-vein thrombosis,[5] subcutaneous emphysema[11] and fetal tachycardia[11] have been described.

[12] The resident flora in the mouth of the domestic cat includes Pasteurella, Staph, Bartonella, Globicatella[13] and Streptococcus species.

Because the wound from the bite may heal too quickly over the punctures, it may need to be opened and explored.

Swollen lymph nodes and red streaks radiating upward may be evident.

Cats with rabies may also appear restless, pant, and attack other animals, people, or objects.

[20] Cat bites can often be prevented by: Rough play is perceived as aggressive.

The first step in treatment includes washing and then irrigating the bite wound with water and isopropyl alcohol.

Resulting infections from cat bites can be prevented by immediately washing wounds with soap and warm water.

[8] Data show that cat bites are more common found in women than in men,[3] and in older adults, particularly those over 75 years old.