What Are the Treatments for Cellulitis in a Feline's Leg?

Felines are territorial by nature and often get into fights with other cats to protect their turf. The resulting bites and scratches are the most common cause of cellulitis in a feline's leg. Cellulitis is inflammation of deep tissue caused by an infection. When the skin is tight, such as on a leg, the infection spreads throughout the layers of skin and the leg swells.

  1. Symptoms

    • Usually, you will know when your feline has been scratched or bitten by another animal. However, your cat may present symptoms before you notice a puncture wound. Signs that a cat has cellulitis in its leg include pain, unusual firmness or warmth in the area, and redness. As cellulitis advances you might see red streaks in the skin or be able to feel enlarged lymph nodes in the groin area.

    Traditional Treatment

    • Treatments for feline cellulitis include warm soaks and antibiotics. For mild cellulitis, clip away the hair around the bite or scratch mark and apply warm compresses three times a day for 15 minutes. The heat and moisture help the feline's natural defenses draw out the infection. Veterinarians will order antibiotics for a cat with cellulitis. If antibiotics are given to the cat within 24 hours of the bite, an infection usually can be avoided.

    Alternative Treatments

    • Holistic veterinarians and pet care companies offer alternative treatments for all feline illnesses. Holistic medicine treats the whole patient. Holistic medicine includes natural therapies ranging from herbs to acupuncture. Practitioners recommend goldenseal and echinacea as natural antibiotics for cellulitis, given as a tincture or tea. Cat owners can purchase herbal remedies from online vendors and veterinarians.

    Prevention

    • The best way to prevent cellulitis in your feline is to stop it from fighting with other animals. This might not be possible for owners of outdoor cats. However, spaying and neutering felines significantly cuts down of the fighting. If your cat does get scratched or bitten, the ability of its natural defense mechanisms to fight off infection might help stave off cellulitis. Proper nutrition is essential to help a feline build up its immune system.