How to Soak Cat Bite Wounds

Cats bite for a variety of reasons, most commonly when they are ill and when scared. Because of their long, slender teeth, cat bites are hard to clean and can be a breeding ground for infection. Treating and soaking the wound as soon as possible will minimize the risk of developing an infection.

Things You'll Need

  • Antibacterial soap
  • Clean towel
  • Sterile gauze cloths
  • Cotton balls
  • Betadine or hydrogen peroxide
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Adhesive medical tape
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Wash your hands with warm water and antibacterial soap. Dry your hands on a clean towel before handling the cat bite wound.

    • 2

      Apply firm pressure to the area with sterile gauze if the bite is bleeding. Continue the pressure until the bleeding stops. If the bite is not bleeding, skip this step.

    • 3

      Wash the area under warm, running water with antibacterial soap for five minutes. Use your hand to massage the soap into the wound lightly as you wash to remove bacteria.

    • 4

      Rinse the wound for one minute beneath warm, running water to wash away any remaining antibacterial soap. Pat the area dry with a clean, sterile gauze cloth.

    • 5

      Soak a cotton ball in Betadine or hydrogen peroxide. Apply the cotton ball over the wound and hold with light pressure for one minute. Pat the area dry with a fresh, sterile gauze cloth.

    • 6

      Apply antibiotic ointment over the wound and cover with a clean sterile gauze cloth. Secure the gauze with medical tape. Make sure you do not apply the adhesive over the wounded area.

    • 7

      Change the gauze daily until the bite heals, applying antibiotic ointment each time.