What to Do If Your Cat Is Bitten by a Dog

One sentence answer

If your cat is bitten by a dog, prioritize human and cat safety, control bleeding, gently clean the wound, and arrange veterinary assessment promptly — even small punctures can become serious.

Core principles

• Safety first: separate animals calmly to avoid further injury or stress.
• Assume contamination: treat any dog bite as potentially infected.
• Timely assessment: early veterinary review prevents complications.
• Gentle handling: minimize handling pain and stress during care.
• Document changes: record wound size, discharge, appetite, and behavior.

New owner 14 day checklist

Day 0 (immediate)

• Keep calm. Move your cat to a quiet, secure area. Use a towel or carrier if needed to prevent more bites or scratches.
• Control bleeding with clean gauze or a cloth and light pressure. If bleeding is heavy, seek emergency care.
• Gently examine the area without forcing your cat. Note location and wound type (puncture, tear, scrape).
• Clean mild wounds with lukewarm water and very mild soap if your cat tolerates it. Pat dry. Avoid aggressive scrubbing.

Days 1–3

• See a vet within 24 hours for any bite. Puncture wounds may hide deeper damage.
• Follow the clinic’s instructions for wound care and follow-up. Do not give human medications unless instructed by a clinician.
• Keep the wound clean and dry. Use a cone or soft collar to prevent licking if recommended.

Days 4–7

• Monitor appetite, temperature (if you can safely take it), hydration, and energy. Note any swelling, discharge, bad smell, or increasing redness.
• Change dressings as instructed using clean technique. Use leash or carrier trips only for essential movement.

Days 8–14

• Continue observing behavior and the wound. Small wounds that are healing should slowly close and show less redness.
• Keep records: date, wound appearance, vet notes, and any medications given. Bring records to follow-up visits.
• Prevent further encounters between your cat and dogs. Review escape routes, outdoor supervision, and neighbor dog management.

Longer term

• Discuss infection risk and rabies risk with your vet. Ensure vaccinations and parasite control are up to date.
• Consider behavior and environment changes to reduce future incidents (indoor access, supervised outdoor time, cat-only paths).

Common mistakes and fixes

• Ignoring punctures → Seek vet check even for tiny holes, as dog bite punctures trap bacteria.
• Rushing cleaning → Use gentle irrigation; don’t probe deep with tools.
• Giving human meds → Stop: consult your vet before any medication.
• Letting cat lick wound → Use a barrier (cone) to prevent contamination.

When to consult a vet

Seek immediate care if you notice:

• Heavy or uncontrolled bleeding
• Signs of infection: swelling, pus, foul odor
• Fever, lethargy, or loss of appetite >24 hours
• Difficulty breathing, collapse, or severe pain
• Deep puncture wounds, joint or face involvement
• Young kittens, senior cats, or cats with chronic disease after a dog bite

Disclaimer

This article is general information and not medical advice; consult your veterinarian for specific care decisions.

Data points at a glance

• Most puncture wounds from a dog bite can look small but hide deep injury.
• Early veterinary review reduces infection and complication risk.
• Keep feline vaccinations current to lower systemic infection risk.

Term quick notes

• Puncture wound: Small entry point that may conceal deep damage.
• Infection: Bacterial invasion causing redness, swelling, discharge.
• Tetanus/rabies: Discuss risks with your vet based on exposure.

Case snapshot

Whiskers was bitten through the shoulder by a loose dog. The owner controlled bleeding, kept Whiskers calm, and saw a vet within 12 hours. Antibiotics and a bandage helped; careful monitoring prevented later abscess formation.

Printable checklist

• Isolate the cat safely
• Control bleeding gently
• Clean with water, pat dry
• Visit a veterinarian within 24 hours
• Prevent licking with a collar
• Record wound details daily
• Watch for swelling or discharge
• Keep vaccinations current
• Limit outdoor access temporarily
• Schedule follow-up exam

Summary

A dog bite requires calm, prompt action: secure safety, control bleeding, clean gently, and get veterinary assessment. Record changes and prevent licking to reduce infection risk. Treat every dog bite seriously and follow your vet’s guidance for the best outcome.