How Do I Treat an Infected Abcess in My Cat?

Cats, especially outdoor cats, are prone to development of abscesses. An abscess is a pus-filled pocket of infection under the cat's skin. Abscesses occur in cats most often due to scratches and bites that cats receive during fights. If left untreated, an abscess can result in serious complications and the infection may even progress so far that it threatens your cat's life. Successful treatment of a feline abscess requires both veterinary and supportive care at home.

Things You'll Need

  • Latex gloves
  • Paper towels
  • Lukewarm water
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Gauze bandage
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Instructions

    • 1

      Always wear latex gloves when touching the abscess to keep it as sterile as possible.

    • 2

      Gently press the abscess while wearing gloves to release any new or remaining infection. Wipe this infection away with paper towels.

    • 3

      Flush the wound with lukewarm water to remove any debris and infection. When you are certain the wound is free of dirt, debris and infection, flush it again with hydrogen peroxide to help prevent infection from reoccurring. (See Resources.)

    • 4

      Keep the cleaned wound covered with a fresh gauze bandage. Change the bandage and repeat Steps 3 and 4 twice daily or as directed by your veterinarian.