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'Scared' dad left with 'necrotic' rotten finger after cat bite as warning issued

On October 7, Dan Perry, a 48-year-old life coach from Lambeth, was bitten by a visiting cat after scooping it up and treated at King's College Hospital, where his wound was cleaned and antibiotics given.
Doctors discovered the infection was caused by bartonella bacteria, which government guidance warns can transmit via deep puncture wounds and cause necrosis if untreated.
He required five further surgeries, including debridement and nail removal at St Thomas' Hospital, as the infection spread, with a final procedure on December 4.
NHS guidance urges thorough cleaning and prompt medical review as bite wounds can become infected very easily, and the Blue Cross advises avoiding handling frightened cats.
Health guidance notes victims may need an anti-tetanus injection, a full course of antibiotics and a follow-up appointment; patients should return to A&E for redness, swelling, pain, fever or lethargy.

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