Thanks for the information, so now I know what to do in the event this happens to any of mine. 2 Take your cat to a veterinarian. One well meaning mistake can mean disaster. Diagnosing an Abscess Sometimes scraps between feline housemates occur too. But I am always very aware of the progression of infections. Your story really helped thought, in fact! She was also leaving a trail of blood tinged liquid where-ever she sat. There was only one time I had to take an outdoor cat to the vethe was older, and his wound stayed infected. Cats are territorial, so fights in neighborhoods with a large feline population are frequent and bites often result. When our cat developed an abscess on his leg, we read in a book on taking care of cats about the need to put warm compresses on it to bring it to a head. I would need several people to help my with him also. I love him dearly but am on a limited income so I am trying to do the right thing for him even though we are financially limited to help..Your article helped take some of the fear and terrible guilt out of it for not being able to afford a vet for him, believe me if I could I would. You simply cannot afford to take them to the vet for every boo-boo. It is generally characterized as a pocket of soft tissue that is filled with pus. God bless you---I will sleep tonight and Henry will be much more comfortable! Prompt, appropriate treatment is the best way of preventing an abscess from forming and will save you a lot of money in the long run. The swelling may break open, and blood-tinged liquid or . Medicine droppers or 3-6cc syringes (no needle!). Jamie Brock from Texas on March 25, 2012: Hi Ardie, this is a very useful hub for cat owners.. If you want to irrigate the inside of the abscess use saline solution. As your cats wound is healing, make sure you keep the area clean and give your cat the chance to stay away from the hustle and bustle of the household, especially if there are other pets around. I will continue to keep the wound clean and change her bedding but for the moment I am just so grateful to hear that it is something that can be treated at home with some love, care and attention. If it gets worse there is one decent vet nearby; since I'm on state benefits there's also the free vet though it's usually packed with people with Staffies that have often injuries consistent with dogfighting, the nearby vet may do a cheap physical and prescribe antibiotics as the abscess is small and open. Any time a cat suffers a bite or claw wound during a fight, bacteria from the biting cats mouth or claw is introduced into the wounded area. Wish me luck she out of hiding but the smell is horrible! The Real Cost of Vet Care for Dogs and Cats | Pets4Homes I let the wound clear on its own while gently wiping the area with a warm washrag to remove germs and other debris. The typical charge for a days veterinary hospital admission is around $50. The second vet trip was out of budget so had to help her at home. Find out when it's time to take your cat to the vet. 1. We feed him by a syringe every two hours. Infectious diseases such as feline leukaemia, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) or rabies can be transmitted to your pet by another cat through bites or scratches. It is extremely rare for an abscess to be fatal, but the prognosis is determined by where it is on your cats body, how long its been infected, and what bacteria is present. References "This helped me know that a tumor/abscess on the outside of the body can be treated at home and how, and that maybe. My parents never let me have a cat either and now I have 6 :). He was a large boxer with a lot of spirit. I cannot afford a vet but love him and feel terrible for him. Conclusion If your cat has an abscess of the mouth or tooth, they may need to have a tooth extraction or a root canal. Furthermore, if you live in a forested area, the likelihood of a puncture wound from a branch or stick is also more likely, and both these wounds are prone to abscesses that will require treatment. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e9\/Treat-an-Abscess-on-a-Cat-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Treat-an-Abscess-on-a-Cat-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e9\/Treat-an-Abscess-on-a-Cat-Step-1.jpg\/aid6942045-v4-728px-Treat-an-Abscess-on-a-Cat-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c2\/Treat-an-Abscess-on-a-Cat-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Treat-an-Abscess-on-a-Cat-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c2\/Treat-an-Abscess-on-a-Cat-Step-2.jpg\/aid6942045-v4-728px-Treat-an-Abscess-on-a-Cat-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c7\/Treat-an-Abscess-on-a-Cat-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Treat-an-Abscess-on-a-Cat-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c7\/Treat-an-Abscess-on-a-Cat-Step-3.jpg\/aid6942045-v4-728px-Treat-an-Abscess-on-a-Cat-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/22\/Treat-an-Abscess-on-a-Cat-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Treat-an-Abscess-on-a-Cat-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/22\/Treat-an-Abscess-on-a-Cat-Step-4.jpg\/aid6942045-v4-728px-Treat-an-Abscess-on-a-Cat-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b7\/Treat-an-Abscess-on-a-Cat-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Treat-an-Abscess-on-a-Cat-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b7\/Treat-an-Abscess-on-a-Cat-Step-5.jpg\/aid6942045-v4-728px-Treat-an-Abscess-on-a-Cat-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1c\/Treat-an-Abscess-on-a-Cat-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Treat-an-Abscess-on-a-Cat-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1c\/Treat-an-Abscess-on-a-Cat-Step-6.jpg\/aid6942045-v4-728px-Treat-an-Abscess-on-a-Cat-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/90\/Treat-an-Abscess-on-a-Cat-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Treat-an-Abscess-on-a-Cat-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/90\/Treat-an-Abscess-on-a-Cat-Step-7.jpg\/aid6942045-v4-728px-Treat-an-Abscess-on-a-Cat-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/04\/Treat-an-Abscess-on-a-Cat-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Treat-an-Abscess-on-a-Cat-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/04\/Treat-an-Abscess-on-a-Cat-Step-8.jpg\/aid6942045-v4-728px-Treat-an-Abscess-on-a-Cat-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5e\/Treat-an-Abscess-on-a-Cat-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Treat-an-Abscess-on-a-Cat-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5e\/Treat-an-Abscess-on-a-Cat-Step-9.jpg\/aid6942045-v4-728px-Treat-an-Abscess-on-a-Cat-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2b\/Treat-an-Abscess-on-a-Cat-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Treat-an-Abscess-on-a-Cat-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2b\/Treat-an-Abscess-on-a-Cat-Step-10.jpg\/aid6942045-v4-728px-Treat-an-Abscess-on-a-Cat-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/ff\/Treat-an-Abscess-on-a-Cat-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Treat-an-Abscess-on-a-Cat-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/ff\/Treat-an-Abscess-on-a-Cat-Step-11.jpg\/aid6942045-v4-728px-Treat-an-Abscess-on-a-Cat-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}. I have also included photos of tapeworm segments as well as ways to prevent your cat from getting them in the first place. Healing time is largely dependent on how deep or severe the wound is, the type of bacteria, the health of the cat (FeLV or FIV+), and the environment in which they can heal (clean and low-stress vs. outdoor and humid or cold). Your cat may require a collar to prevent them from licking the wound while it heals as this can do more harm than good. The first and most obvious symptom of many abscesses is the actual wound, whether it's a bite mark, a puncture wound, or a claw mark. Now, what do you think happens when the skin closes up over the germs and dirt? If you are short on money make this known, shop around and politely say that your pet isn't well at all but all other quotes have been too high. He stopped eating and drinking. an opening that drains pus. To avoid unnecessary costs, seek immediate veterinary attention for your cat if you notice any troubling signs. The discharge will be examined under a microscope and perhaps cultured to identify the type of bacteria. 5 [deleted] 7 yr. ago I know I'm getting some hate but I'm a young guy. When treating an abscess on your cat, the total cost will be in addition to other factors involved in diagnosing and treating. God Bless You, you are awesome and very Loving. Be sure not to push too hard, or you will hurt the cat. A consultation fee is standard, no matter what the situation is. This cat is my own and he is an indoor/outdoor cat and although he is "fixed" he can be quite aggressive. Inanimate objectsnails, thorns, stickscan puncture the skin and introduce anaerobic and aerobic bacteria. Check-up consultations Your cat will need to see your vet again about a week after the initial treatment to make sure that the abscess is healing and to have any stitches taken out. my cat (mainly indoors but likes to take the occasional wander under the neighbours porch) had a giant one on the back of his neck and when i pressed down at least three table spoons of disgusting goo came out, i also used warmed up saline solution to clean the wound out before putting in the hydrogen peroxide and it seemed to help? In addition to territorial fights, indoor cats may fight if there are social conflicts within the home. Hi, my guy is 18 & doesn't like to be groomed, although I do the firm towel holding trick when trimming back claws.. however this poor guy has what looks like a small abscess near his pp, I've successfully washed him & applied triple antibiotic ointment x2, although he was yowling & most likely cursing at me. For pain relief I suggest you contact a vet over the phone or if this isn't possible, check pain meds with veterinary compatibility in cats on a veterinary website. He eats the food I put out and I've been giving him antibiotics (from the Vet) for the last 10 days. Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment after the wound has had time to dry. And your comment is a great one :) Im glad to hear your Ellie was a good patient and he got better. Heres What to Do, Answered by Dr. Joanna Woodnutt, BVM BVS (Vet). I have a @5yr old male cat. I grabbed some forceps and with my mother holding Maxine steady I loosened the first tooth using gentle pressure, (heavy pressure can shatter a rotten tooth causing major problems skin extraction) which was barely hanging on and removed it, the second one was more firmly held but abscessed, I gave it a few wiggled from side to side, breaking the fibrous connections and then gave a sharp tug (at this we got a weak yowl) removing it and draining pus into her mouth.