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Cause
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An abscess is a collection of pus that has become surrounded by swollen flesh to form a lump. In cats, it usually occurs from a wound, most commonly from a fight with another cat. Sometimes wounds become infected and a swollen abscess will appear.
Preparation
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It is important that you wear rubber gloves when dealing with an abscess. There may be a lot of infected pus and you should avoid getting it on your hands.
Treatment
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Remove the hair from the infected area. Be very careful not to touch the abscess directly. If there is a scab over the abscess, soak it in hydrogen peroxide and warm water. Then pick off as much as you can.
Warning
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It is very likely that your cat will be in pain from the abscess. You should be gentle when treating it.
You should see a small opening on the wound. Gently try to squeeze out some of the pus. This should relieve the pain but take care not to make the wound bigger.
Maintenance
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You should clean and rinse the area every 12 hours for up to 4 days. If the infected area does not appear to be getting better, antibiotics are most likely required. Take the cat to your veterinarian as soon as possible.
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Home Treatment for a Cat Abscess
If your cat has an abscess, it is important that you take her to a veterinarian. If you cannot get to the vet, you may have to treat your cat at home.