New research has shown that cat bites, though they seem less serious, can lead to serious infections, especially when the bite occurs on the hand.
The study showing the effects of cat bites was published in the Journal of Hand Surgery.
Though cat’s mouths are no dirtier than humans or dogs their sharp teeth can inject bacteria deep into the skin and joints, according to HealthDay. Dogs have “blunt” teeth and leave a large wound, but cat teeth penetrate much deeper into the skin.
"It can be just a pinpoint bite mark that can cause a real problem," said Dr. Brain Carlsen from the Mayo Clinic, "because the bacteria get into the tendon sheath or into the joint where they can grow with relative protection from the blood and immune system."
According to USA Today, reported a specific incident with Dawn Bothun who waited a week to go to the hospital after her cat bit her. She spent eight weeks in and out of the hospital and $150,000.
"I washed the wounds on my wrist and put antiseptic on them," Bothun said. "I thought I could manage them on my own but I couldn't move my wrist after a week."
Carlsen says that the rule of thumb is that if your cat bites you, see the doctor and be sure to monitor it closely.