What is the primary cause of cat bites?

The primary cause of cat bites is associated with Pasteurella multocida and anaerobic bacteria. Cat bites can lead to infections because of the unique nature of a cat's bite. The puncture wounds created by cat teeth can introduce bacteria that are normally present in the cat's mouth deep into the tissue, resulting in infections.

Pasteurella multocida is particularly notable as it is commonly found in the oral cavity of cats and can cause soft tissue infections, abscesses, and even systemic infections if not treated appropriately. Anaerobic bacteria, which thrive in the low-oxygen environment of bite wounds, can also contribute significantly to the infection following a cat bite, further complicating the clinical picture and highlighting the importance of timely and effective treatment in these cases.

This highlights the necessity of addressing cat bites quickly, as they can lead to serious complications if the bacteria involved are not identified and treated properly, emphasizing the importance of considering both types of bacteria when assessing injuries from cat bites.