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Cat Bite Abscess 

Abscesses are often the result of a bite wound by another cat.

Overview

Abscesses are a form of local infection that occurs under the skin. It is similar to a severe pimple. They are often filled with pus and occur following a puncture wound from a cat fight.

Signs

Abscesses can be open or closed. Open abscesses can ooze pus or look like an open wound. Closed abscesses feel like a fluid-filled mass under the skin. Cats can appear lethargic and have a temperature.

Common signs of an abscess:

• Soft swelling
• Pus-oozing wound
• Lethargy
• Warm to hot lump on touch, usually painful
• Fur loss

Management

If the abscess is open, keep the wound clean and dry with regular sterile saline cleaning. For closed abscesses, seek veterinary attention immediately.

Management of abscesses:

• Surgical treatment to drain and flush the abscess, removing necrotic tissue
• Removal of any foreign bodies
• Antibiotics
• Anti-inflammatories
• Ongoing bathing with sterile saline to keep the area clean

Abscesses are not only uncomfortable but fighting can transfer Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). It is recommended that your cat is tested for FIV one month after a fight to see if it has contracted FIV.

Prevention

Tips to help prevent abscesses:

• Neutering (entire males tend to fight more)
• Restrict access to the outdoors (particularly at night)
• Prevent fighting