If your cat has been injured by another animal, it is possible that his wound will turn into an abscess. What causes it to form are bacteria that enter the body, right through the wound. If you think your cat may have an abscess, take him to a vet to treat his wound and get antibiotics - the vet will advise you on how to deal with it and administer medications. During the healing you will need to keep the cat indoors and check its wound.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Getting Veterinary Care for Your Cat
Step 1. Check if an abscess has developed on the cat's skin
In case of wounds, the body sends white blood cells to the affected area in order to fight the bacteria that penetrate through the wound. Subsequently, the surrounding tissues swell and begin to die; this forms a cavity that fills with pus, a liquid made up of bacteria, white blood cells and dead tissue. As the cycle repeats, the area around the wound continues to swell, creating a bump that can be both soft and hard to the touch. Other indicators of the presence of an abscess include:
- Pain or signs of pain (such as limping).
- A small scab surrounded by red or warmer skin.
- Pus or fluid leaking around the area.
- Loss of hair on the affected skin.
- The cat licks or nibbles a spot on the skin.
- Loss of appetite or energy.
- A wound from which pus is leaking.
Step 2. Take the cat to a vet
In case the abscess drains the pus spontaneously, you can treat it at home. However, in most cases, an abscess will require specialized treatment by a veterinarian, who will visit the cat and note the presence of other common symptoms such as fever, an indicator of inflammation in progress.
- If the abscess is open and draining, it is possible to treat the cat without sedating it.
- If the abscess is not open, the cat may need to be sedated to incise the inflamed area.
Step 3. Ask for antibiotics
Your vet might take some of the pus for an antibiotic culture. The test will allow him to choose the most effective antibiotic to prescribe. Once the sample has been collected, the veterinarian will proceed to incise non-draining abscesses (i.e. unopened abscesses that do not drain pus and impurities) and indicate antibiotic treatment.
Administer antibiotics as directed and complete all treatment. Notify your veterinarian if you experience any problems while administering the medications
Step 4. Check that there is no need for a drain
Sometimes it may be necessary to drain through tubes that hold the wound open. These tubes help pus continue to drain from the wound. If the abscess is not drained, the pus may continue to rise and cause more problems for the cat.
- Follow your veterinarian's directions about drainage care, its complications, and when it should be alerted immediately.
- The vet will remove the drains 3-5 days after application.
Part 2 of 2: Treating Abscess at Home
Step 1. Keep your cat confined to a room while he heals
This is the best way to protect it from further complications as the wound heals. The wound will continue to release liquids for some time, so it is possible that the pus that escapes will end up on furniture, carpets or the floor. This is why dedicating a specific room to the cat is the best solution.
- Keep your cat in a room with an easy-to-clean surface such as a bathroom, laundry room, or anteroom.
- Make sure the room is warm enough and that the cat has everything he needs, such as food, water, a litter box and some soft blankets or towels to sleep in.
- While your cat is staying in the room, check in often to pet him and make sure he is eating, drinking, and relieving as he should.
Step 2. Wear gloves when treating his wound
The abscess will produce pus, a liquid made up of blood, bacteria and other biological fluids. Don't touch the wound with your bare hands - be sure to wear vinyl or latex gloves every time you clean or inspect it.
Step 3. Keep the wound clean using plain warm water
Take a clean washcloth or washcloth and soak it in warm water, then use it to remove all the pus from the cat's wound. Rinse the cloth and repeat until all visible pus is gone.
Clean the area around drains with a cloth or rag dipped in warm water
Step 4. Remove the scabs carefully
If you find a scab around the opening of a pus-filled abscess, remove it by moistening the area with a cloth dipped in warm water. You don't have to worry about scabs if there is no pus or swelling. If you are unsure, ask your vet for advice.
- To remove a scab that has formed on the cat's wound, soak a cloth in warm water, then squeeze the cloth to remove excess water and place it on the wound. Keep it there for a few minutes to soften the crust. Then gently wipe the wound with the cloth. Repeat this process 2-3 times until the crust softens and peels off.
- Abscesses take about 10 to 14 days to form, so keep checking the area around the scab to see if it starts to swell. If you notice swelling or pus, take your cat to the vet.
Step 5. Before using hydrogen peroxide, ask your vet for advice
In fact, as some studies have shown, hydrogen peroxide could further worsen the wound, as well as cause pain during use. The best option is to use plain water or a special antiseptic solution based on water and iodine.
- To be on the safe side, ask your vet for advice on whether hydrogen peroxide may be a good choice for treating a cat's wound.
- If you use hydrogen peroxide, be sure to dilute it with plain water in a ratio of 1: 1. Then soak a cotton ball or gauze in the solution and begin to gently cleanse the pus or impurities around the wound. Do not use the solution directly on the wound. You can repeat the application 2-3 times a day.
Step 6. Keep an eye on your cat's wound
Check it 2-3 times a day. When you check the wound, make sure it is not swollen - the swelling indicates that the wound is infected. In this case, notify your vet.
While keeping the wound under control, try to pay attention to the amount of pus it is draining. The wound should release less pus as the days go by. If you believe the amount of fluid is the same or is increasing, warn your vet
Step 7. Prevent the cat from licking or biting its wounds
It is important to ensure that your cat does not lick or nibble on drains or the wound, as bacteria within her oral cavity could worsen the wound or cause an infection. If you believe the cat is licking the wound excessively or nibbling the drains, ask your vet for advice.
To prevent your cat from licking or nibbling the wound, it may be necessary to put him on an Elizabethan collar until he heals completely
Advice
- If your kitty has been fighting with another cat, check for any wounds or symptoms of forming abscesses.
- If you notice any signs of an abscess, take your cat to the vet right away for a visit and a prescription for antibiotics. This will reduce the likelihood of a more serious infection.
