This section is on feline infectious disease. These are all questions that have been submitted or that I have been inspired to talk about because of a question submitted. If you have any topics that you would like to have discussed please feel free to email me with the topic or question.
Cats, particularly male cats, are very prone to fighting with one another. Several characteristics of cats cause a high risk of cat fights resulting in abscesses. With their long and sharp canine teeth, cat bites tend to be deep punctures in contrast to dogs which tend to puncture superficially and then tear the tissue. In addition, cats have bacteria that normally live in their mouth which get deposited in high numbers in the bite. Since these bites are superficially small but deep they quickly scab over. Once the wound scabs over, the owner does not see the infection that is present down in the wound. This infection grows and grows until an abscess is formed. It is extremely important to keep cat bite wounds from scabbing over and to flush them regularly to remove the infection. This is easier said then done in most cats; thus, a trip to the vet and sedation is usually necessary to properly treat cat bites. Of course, prevention is the best way to deal with cat bite abscesses. But, again, this is easier said then done.
Rabies can infect any mammal. Cats are actually at increased risk to rabies exposure since many of them hunt and are in contact with rabid wildlife. Why communities do not require cats to be vaccinated against Rabies is a mystery to me. In fact, a rabid cat is more a risk for biting as human than a rabid dog. Please visit the Rabies Page for more information.
I have researched and answered these questions to the best of my ability. But I am human and make mistakes. If there is any part of my answer that you feel is incorrect, please let me know. The last thing I want is to disseminate false or incorrect information.