Cat Abscess Treatment: Everything You Need to Know
Cats may have nine lives, but they aren’t immune to everything. Your furry friend is still a vulnerable creature, kind of like a human baby. As such, felines are prone to a variety of diseases.
Some of these nasty ailments are no big deal. Others are fatal. Certain issues only occur in different breeds, while others can be caught by any cat breed at any age. Cat abscesses are one such equal-opportunity ailment.
Cat Abscesses: What Are They?
A cat abscess is a certain type of skin condition that affects felines. This happens when bacteria enters the kitty’s skin through a wound or similar kind of skin irritation.
When this happens, a collection of pus tends to build up inside the cat’s skin. Cat abscesses usually occur if your cat is scratched, bit, or fights with another animal. As such, keeping your cat indoors removes a lot of the chances your cat will develop abscesses.
Many times you won’t notice you cat’s abscess right off the bat. As such, you’ll need to pay attention to the warning signs. If your cat is lethargic, acting disoriented, vomiting, or suddenly loses appetite – this could be a sign of an abscess getting the best of your furry friend.
Now, these signs could also be from other illnesses. So make sure to do a thorough inspection of your furry friend. A vet visit may be necessary. However, if you do notice abscesses on your cat, it’s imperative that you act quickly.
How to Get Rid of a Cat Abscess
Luckily, you can help your cat get healthy quickly if they have abscesses. Understand that your cat has an injury if they have abscesses. This means they may have been in an altercation.
Your cat is a fragile creature. You must understand they can get hurt or sick from nearly anything. Abscesses happen to furball, so don’t stress over them too much. Just help your cat get healthy.
Here is how to get rid of a cat abscess at home:
- Inspect All Wounds
First and foremost, you need to look at the wounds and abscesses. Check to see if the issue is superficial or quite deep. For cats who have wounds on their sides, paw, or leg – they may be limping or trying to avoid brushing the injured spot on certain types of surfaces. If you try to touch the painful area, they may push you away or attack.
- Be a Little Patient
Your can may be scared and in pain when developing an abscess. That doesn’t mean he trusts you to help fix the problem. When your cat feels helpless, they may lash out at help.
Be understanding and patient with your cat. You must be gentle. Try wrapping up your furry friend in a towel to ensure it can’t scratch or get away. Then move slowly and let your cat relax.
- Warm Compression
By applying a warm compress to the wound, you’ll be able to soften the fur and skin. This will allow you to get a better look at the infection. Plus, it will feel good for your cat.
- Use Hydrogen Peroxide
Apply a few drops of hydrogen peroxide to the wound. This will disinfect it. While it’ll sting a bit, your cat will thank you in the end. Just make sure to keep your furry friend wrapped up when doing this.
- Antibiotics
While using hydrogen peroxide and cleaning the wound may help heal it, your vet may suggest antibiotics. Make sure you apply the treatment properly and watch over the cat during this time. For extra deep wounds, your cat may need a small surgery to rid the body of the abscess.
- Stay Calm
Your cat isn’t going to like the process of getting rid of the abscess. Understand that! As such, you’ll need to stay calm. Give your cat treats and ensure he is relaxed before you begin any treatment.
Keep Your Cat Safe & Healthy
Many cats get abscesses. That’s just the way things work. To ensure your cat feels better, you must know what to expect and how to heal it. You also need to understand the recovery process.
Make sure your cat has high-quality cat food each day. A mix of wet and dry food is essential. Cat vitamins and supplements can also be beneficial in speeding up the recovery process.
Overall, your cat will heal from an abscess. You just need to catch it before it gets too big. The best way to ensure your cat stays healthy is to keep them inside more often and ensure they don’t get in any fights with other animals.
