How does a cat bite abscess form?

A cat’s narrow canine teeth can puncture deeply through the skin and carry bacteria from the mouth into the tissues underneath. The small surface wound may seal quickly, trapping bacteria inside. Infection can then develop over the next several days and form a painful pocket of pus called an abscess.

Common sites include the head and neck, forelimbs, hindquarters and base of the tail. Long fur can make puncture wounds and swelling difficult to see.

 

What signs might I see?

• A tender, warm or swollen area beneath the skin
• A small scab, puncture mark or area of matted fur
• Lameness, reluctance to jump or pain when touched
• Excessive licking or grooming of one area
• Lethargy, hiding, fever or reduced appetite
• A soft or fluid-filled lump
• Foul-smelling discharge, blood or pus if the abscess ruptures
• Loose, damaged or darkened skin over an older abscess
Some abscesses are hidden under the coat and may first be noticed because of pain, fever, reduced appetite or an unpleasant smell.

 

What should I do after a known fight or bite?

Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Early examination, clipping and cleaning may reduce complications and allows deeper injuries to be identified.

• Keep your cat indoors and quiet.
• Do not squeeze, lance or probe the wound at home.
• Do not apply peroxide, alcohol, essential oils, powders, creams or human antiseptics unless specifically advised.
• Do not give human pain medication; many common products are highly toxic to cats.

 

How is an abscess treated?

Established abscesses usually require drainage and thorough flushing. Sedation or general anaesthesia is often needed because the area is painful and the full extent of tissue damage may not be visible from the outside.

• Clipping and cleaning the surrounding coat and skin
• Opening and draining the abscess
• Flushing away pus, debris and bacteria
• Removing dead or severely damaged tissue when necessary
• Placement of a drain in larger or deeper wounds
• Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication when safe for the individual cat
• Antibiotics when there is systemic illness, spreading infection, deeper tissue involvement, an immunocompromised patient or another specific indication
• Bacterial culture for recurrent, unusual, severe or poorly responding infections

Drainage and removal of infected material are the most important treatments. Antibiotics cannot replace adequate drainage and wound care.

 

Will the wound be stitched closed?

Many abscesses are deliberately left open so remaining fluid can drain and the wound can heal from the inside outward. Some wounds require surgical debridement, sutures or a temporary drain if there is extensive tissue damage or a large skin defect.

 

Your veterinarian will choose the approach most likely to control infection and preserve healthy tissue. More than one procedure or bandage change may occasionally be required.

 

FIV and FeLV testing

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is most commonly transmitted through deep bite wounds. Cats that fight or develop bite abscesses are therefore considered at increased risk. Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) is usually spread through prolonged close contact but may also be considered as part of your cat’s risk assessment.

Your veterinarian may recommend an FIV/FeLV test at the time of treatment if your cat’s status is unknown. A recent infection may not be detectable immediately, so repeat testing no earlier than 60 days after the last potential exposure may be recommended.

Preventing future abscesses

• Keep cats indoors or provide secure outdoor access such as a cat enclosure.
• Desex cats, as roaming and territorial fighting are more common in entire males.
• Keep microchip, identification and vaccinations current.
• Arrange veterinary assessment promptly after any known fight or unexplained painful swelling.