The evaluation of cat bites begins with a history and physical exam.

Physical findings in someone with a cat bite may include:

• Abrasions to the skin
• Lacerations to the skin
• Puncture wounds to the skin
• Skin redness
• Skin swelling
• Skin tenderness
• Red streaks spreading from the bite wound:
• Lymphangitis of the arm
• Lymphangitis of the back of the leg
• Lymphangitis of the hand from a finger wound
• Swollen lymph glands above the bite:
• Axillary lymphadenopathy
• Inguinal lymphadenopathy

Testing is not necessary to make the diagnosis of most cat bites.

Tests may include:

• X-rays
• Used to exclude fracture or retained foreign body
• Wound culture

For more information:

• Animal bites evaluation
• Dog bites evaluation
• Human bites evaluation
• Rodent bites evaluation
• Snakebite evaluation