An abscess occurs when a cat gets into a fight with another cat, and is wounded. Sometimes there are other reasons for an abscess too, like grass or splinters. If they are wounded, and it causes a hole in which accumulates pus, it drains.
Things You'll Need
- Scissors
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Antibiotic Medication
- Guaze
Instructions
Cats have a natural instinct to be very clean and lick their wounds, Their wounds generally heal fast. Another cat sinks their claws or teeth into skin making a hole, causing bacteria to grow and multiply causing infection. 3-5 days later the skin will begin to swell causing pain. It has a lot to do with how deep the wounds are, or how bad infection will be. The cat's immune system can start a healing process.
Following a cat fight check your cat out. Check for scratches on the skin, or swollen bumps, if you find one there could be others too. Check the head, neck, legs, under fur, and especially the lower spine at the base of the spine.(this is where abscesses are frequently found). If your cat has lots of hair check for matted hair or blood. Use gentle pressure to see how much pain the cat is in.
If the abscess gets worse the cat will have noticeable increase in infection, loss of appetite, exercise or won't eat, and wanting to sleep more than usual. The cat can become quite sick if treatment for abscess isn't sought, as the bacteria will set in and worsen the bacterial infection, releasing toxins.
Be aware if you suspect your cat having an abscess due to a cat fight. Some of the symptoms are:
The cat is in noticeable pain or hurts when touched
Won't eat its food
Is hunched over, or isn't getting normal exercise
Won't play with toys as usual
A bump on the skin, under fur.
The abscess may rupture naturally; it did on our cat, it needs medical care. You're left with a foul smell from the drainage, which is yellow or brown in color. The cat may feel better, and then want to eat food. If the cat feels like it cut the fur away from the wound, so it will heal better. Wash around the wounded area, with warm salt water or use diluted 50/50 hydrogen peroxide to clean the area of drainage.
If it doesn't rupture on its own in a few days, a vet may have to drain it surgically. A vet will usually remove dead skin and insert a drain, to promote further drainage. He will also prescribe an antibiotic medication to help with healing. The cat will come back for a check-up a few days later for removal of drain. Do a pressure test for a few days to see if cat is getting better, and pain is lessening.