Treatment For a Cat Abscess

If your cat has recently been in a fight, or has an immune system disorder or periodontal disease, be on the lookout for abscesses. These are not always clearly visible, but recognizing the symptoms can help you begin treatment and prevent the infection from getting out of hand.

  1. What is an Abscess?

    • An abscess is a closed infection within the skin tissues. It often occurs when a cat gets a scratched or bitten, causing a puncture wound that closes over and leaves the inside infected.

    Symptoms

    • Your cat may have a swollen, tender and painful area on its skin; you may be unable to see the wound itself, though sometimes the site is still apparent and can even ooze puss or blood or have a foul odor. Your cat may not want the area touched, and may become lethargic and depressed, lose its appetite, experience hair loss and run a fever.

    At-Home Treatment

    • An abscess needs to be drained in order for the infection to heal. Warm compresses can help open up the wound, and puss can gently be squeezed from it. You can clean the area with hydrogen peroxide; dilute it with water if your cat reacts negatively to it.

    Veterinary Treatment

    • Your cat's abscess may need to be lanced and drained; if the infection is deep, a surgical drain may be necessary to help with daily draining. If there is dead tissue it will need to be removed. Antibiotics and pain killers can be prescribed to fight the infection and relieve pain.

    Precautions

    • Do not attempt any at-home treatment if your cat is in a lot of pain or if the infection is severe or very deep. Take special precautions not to get hurt while handling your cat, and use surgical gloves when handling its wounds. Most abscesses are best dealt with by your veterinarian.