What Is a Feline Abscess?
An abscess is a pocket of puss that collects under the skin due to an infection. This can happen to cats whenever a cat suffers a small injury. Usually, this is when they are scratched or bitten in a fight with other cats, but it can also occur if their skin gets pricked or scratched by an object with bacteria on it. Any bacteria that gets into the wound can cause an infection and result in an abscess.
Cats are more likely to get an abscess if they're outdoor cats, or if they live in a household with multiple cats. Certain medications and health conditions (like diabetes or feline leukemia) can put them more at risk of developing an abscess.
Signs Your Cat Has an Abscess
Cats are very good at hiding any health problems from their owners, however, if your cat develops an abscess you may notice some of these symptoms:
- Localized swelling or warmth
- Discharge from the wound
- The area appears to be sensitive or causes pain
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Change in eating habits
- Limping
- Hiding
- Aggression
Treating a Feline Abscess
Since you're dealing with an infected area that may run deep, you should not try to treat an abscess yourself. The area will probably need to be flushed and sterilized properly, and your cat may require prescription antibiotics. Also keep in mind that the area may be very painful; trying to treat it yourself may cause your cat to become stressed, aggressive, or may increase his pain.
Usually, an abscess will require diagnostic testing to see what kind of bacteria is present and to make sure your cat didn't contract any viruses. An area of your cat's fur may require shaving, and your vet may administer a sedative or local anesthesia to keep your cat calm and comfortable.
Usually, an abscess can be drained, or your vet can perform minor surgery to remove the pocket of infected puss. If a foreign object that caused the abscess is still present, it must be fully removed or the abscess will come back.
Most of the time, an abscess is treated on an outpatient basis and you'll be able to take your cat home with instructions on how to nurse him back to health. Instructions usually involve medication, warm compresses, and rest.
We Can Help with Feline Abscess
The Animal Doctors offer exceptional health care services such as on-site laboratory testing, in-depth diagnostic procedures, and surgery. Our highly qualified team will examine your cat and treat his abscess with caring, skilled hands.
As we understand that an abscess may be stressful for both patient and owner, we work hard to help keep your cat calm and comfortable as we go through the treatment details, answer your questions, and walk you through any procedures. If necessary, we will refer patients to specialists, and work with the specialist to ensure that the cat gets the best possible care.
If you suspect your cat has an abscess, contact us so that we can help. We service the San Francisco Peninsula, including Atherton, Cupertino, East Palo Alto, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Menlo Park, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Portola Valley, Redwood City, Stanford, and Woodside.
