CAT FOSTER BITE PROTOCOL

Please follow this protocol if your foster cat bites you or any other human. Note: Any injuries caused to another animal should also be reported to the Cat Foster Manager (cat-foster-manager@austinpetsalive.org)

If a bite occurs:

1. If the cat is currently in a safe location, leave a crate or box nearby for the cat to seek shelter in and close the door if possible to allow the cat to calm down to prevent further injury to the person and provide a calm environment for the cat.
2. Report the incident to the Cat Foster Manager (cat-foster-manager@austinpetsalive.org) on the same day as the incident.

• Your email should include a detailed description of the incident and photos of any injuries (this can be done in a follow up email). If you do not hear from anyone on the Cat Foster Team within 48 hours, either by email or phone, call or text the Cat Foster Manager at 512-768-9047.

3. The Cat Foster manager may follow up with a phone call to learn more about the incident and check on the health of the injured person.
4. The Cat Foster Team will determine the cat’s future placement and any needed behavior modification or training.

If the bite resulted in an injury follow these additional steps:

1. Call 911 if injuries are life-threatening or severe (e.g. excessive bleeding, broken bones, person is in shock or unconscious)
2. First Aid: Wash bite and scratch wounds with soap and water immediately.

• If there is no break in the skin, no further action is required.
• If a break in the skin occurred, stop any bleeding with pressure. If punctured, professional medical care should be sought as soon as possible to prevent further injury. Wounds should be monitored for redness and infection.

3. The Cat Foster Team will verify the status of the cat’s rabies vaccination and provide you with proof thereof, as needed. Note: Per Texas law, cats under the age of 3 months will not have been vaccinated for rabies.
4. If the bite broke the skin (deep scratch, puncture wound, bleeding), it may be necessary to quarantine the foster cat for 10 days. This can usually be done in the foster home or, in some cases, may require a cat to serve the quarantine at the Austin Animal Center. If the cat that bit is given a clean bill of health after 10 days, it could not have passed on the rabies virus at the time of the bite.

Bites are a very dangerous issue and must be reported immediately per the instructions above. Reporting is especially important for a bite involving an unvaccinated cat. In addition, reporting a bite and the circumstances surrounding a bite enables our team to develop a customized plan for your foster cat.

Appropriate medical treatment is also crucial. An infected bite can cost thousands of dollars if not treated immediately and can cause sepsis, loss of function, or even death.

APA! IS NOT liable for any damages relating to a bite or responsible for any medical bill or other cost associated with a bite (including any injury to another animal). If you choose not to seek medical help, APA! IS NOT liable for any resulting consequences.