Many people believe that a cat’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s. This popular notion leads to a relaxed attitude about cat licks or minor bites. However, feline oral hygiene reveals a more complex reality. It overlooks the diverse bacterial communities residing in a cat’s mouth and the potential health implications for humans.
The Myth of a “Cleaner” Mouth
The idea that a cat’s mouth is “cleaner” than a human’s lacks scientific basis. The term “cleaner” is misleading when discussing the complex microbial ecosystems in any mammal’s oral cavity. Both human and cat mouths host a vast and diverse array of bacteria, each adapted to its specific host environment. While some studies suggest cats may have fewer types of bacteria (around 200) compared to humans and dogs (both around 600), the sheer number of bacteria present in a cat’s mouth is still substantial.
The significant factor is not the quantity of bacterial species but their potential pathogenicity. The types of bacteria found in a cat’s mouth are distinct from those in a human mouth, and some feline oral bacteria can be particularly harmful to humans. A cat’s predatory habits also mean their mouths can carry additional pathogens from prey or their environment. Therefore, the notion of a cat’s mouth being “cleaner” is inaccurate, as both species harbor microbial communities that can include potential pathogens.
Common Bacteria in Cat Mouths
A cat’s oral cavity contains a variety of bacteria that can cause infections in humans. One prevalent bacterium is Pasteurella multocida, found in 70% to 90% of cats. It commonly causes infections following animal bites.
Another significant bacterium is Bartonella henselae, which is responsible for cat scratch disease. About 40% of cats carry Bartonella henselae, with kittens being more likely carriers. While often associated with scratches, this bacterium can also be transmitted through bites or if a cat licks an open wound. Other bacteria include Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species, and Capnocytophaga canimorsus, which can cause serious infections, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems.
Understanding Infection Risk from Cat Bites
Cat bites pose an infection risk due to their teeth and oral bacteria. A cat’s canine teeth are sharp and narrow, acting like hypodermic needles that can penetrate deeply into tissue. This deep penetration injects bacteria beneath the skin’s surface.
The small puncture wounds often seal quickly, trapping bacteria in an oxygen-deprived environment that favors the growth of certain pathogens. Bacteria multiply rapidly, leading to infection within 12 to 24 hours. Common infections resulting from cat bites include cellulitis, an infection of the skin and underlying tissue, and abscesses, which are localized collections of pus.
In more severe cases, infections can spread, potentially causing osteomyelitis (bone infection), septic arthritis (joint infection), or even sepsis, a life-threatening systemic response to infection. Prompt medical attention for cat bites is important, even for seemingly minor wounds, to mitigate the risk of serious complications.