I've learned from my recent experience that dog maulings is why states take animal bites so seriously. My cat bit me, requiring medical attention (due to infection, the bite wasn't bad at all), cat may have rabies, may be an outdoor cat (mine isn't), and may bite a dog that would potentially maul someone.

The problem with cat bites is that people don't know how they can cause sepsis and kill you within a few days, despite appearing relatively minor. If their teeth penetrates ligament lining, it can totally destroy it, etc.

My doctor told me they'll clean dog bite and send you on your way, but a cat bite they may hospitalize you for days for monitoring, antibiotics, etc. expecting a wide variety of dangerous ailments.