How to Get Rid of Grub in Cat Skin

The grub is a cuterebra larva. These larvae are more likely to infect rabbits and other rodents, but they sometimes infect cats, particularly kittens, late in summer. The larvae usually appear as a moving lump with a tiny air hole in its center. The lumps usually show up on your cat's neck or chest. They can be fatal if they infect your cat's nose. A veterinarian must surgically remove the grub because simply killing the grub or removing only part of it can result in a serious infection.

Things You'll Need

  • Veterinarian
  • Sedative or anesthetic
  • Isopropyl alcohol
  • Hair clippers
  • Rubber gloves
  • Surgical sponge
  • Antiseptic solution
  • Operating forceps
  • Hemostat
  • Saline solution
  • Topical antibiotic ointment
  • Injectable systemic antibiotic
  • Systemic antibiotic pills
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Instructions

    • 1

      Sedate cooperative cats. Anesthetize uncooperative ones.

    • 2

      Spray the area around the grub cyst with isopropyl alcohol. Clip the fur around the cyst with hair clippers. Spraying the area first with alcohol both disinfects and aids clipping.

    • 3

      Put on rubber gloves. Wipe the clipped area with a surgical sponge saturated with an antiseptic solution like chlorhexidine or betadine.

    • 4

      Enlarge the opening in the cyst with operating forceps. Gently remove the grub with a hemostat, taking care not to rupture the grub.

    • 5

      Irrigate the wound with saline solution followed by a topical antibiotic ointment like Animax. Inject the cat with a systemic antibiotic.

    • 6

      Give your cat systemic antibiotic pills as directed by the veterinarian until the wound is fully healed. Keep your cat indoors until the wound heals.