Signs of a fight under the fur: Abscesses in cats

What is an abscess?

An abscess is a localized collection of pus within the tissue that forms in a newly created cavity. In cats, abscesses are most commonly found under the skin, particularly in the head, neck, and shoulder areas. Less commonly, abscesses can also occur inside the body, for example in the lungs, liver, or intestinal wall.
Pus consists of dead white blood cells, tissue debris, and fluid, and usually develops in connection with a bacterial infection when the body tries to fight off invading germs.

Causes and risk factors

The most common cause of abscesses in cats is bite wounds. Cat teeth are very sharp and leave small puncture wounds that close quickly. Bacteria penetrate deep into the tissue and multiply there unnoticed. Other possible causes include the entry of foreign objects, such as plant parts, wood splinters, or thorns, which can also introduce bacteria into the tissue and trigger inflammation.
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Particularly at risk are:

• Outdoor cats that may get into territorial fights
• Unneutered cats, since they fight more often
• Young, active cats that get into fights more often

There is no known breed predisposition.

Recognizing the signs of an abscess

• Painful swelling that feels warm to the touch
• Touch sensitivity
• Bite or scratch marks (sometimes barely visible)
• Discharge of pus when the abscess bursts
• General symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and loss of appetite
• Lameness when the abscess is on a leg

diagnosis

The examination begins with a thorough general clinical evaluation of the cat. It is particularly important to measure the body temperature, as a fever is often a sign of inflammation.
In many cases, a diagnosis can be made simply by carefully palpating the affected area. The original bite wound is not always visible, as cats’ teeth are very small and such injuries heal quickly. Depending on the location, size, and severity of the abscess, further tests such as a puncture, imaging, or blood tests may be necessary, especially if there is suspicion that the abscess is not limited to the subcutaneous tissue or that other conditions are present.

therapy

An abscess should be treated by a veterinarian. In most cases, treatment involves the following steps:

• Incision of the abscess under brief anesthesia
• Thorough irrigation of the abscess cavity
• Leave the wound open so that pus can drain out
• If necessary, insert a drain

In most cases, anti-inflammatory medications, pain relievers, and antibiotics are also prescribed. To aid healing, it may be helpful to keep the dog indoors and have it wear an E-collar to prevent it from licking or scratching the wound.

If an abscess does not heal despite treatment or recurs, further investigation is necessary. Depending on the situation, a bacteriological examination (including an antibiogram) may be advisable to enable targeted treatment. In some cases, major surgery may also be required, for example, if deeper tissue layers are affected or if the abscess keeps recurring. Abscesses rarely heal on their own, and homeopathic treatments are not suitable as the sole therapy for treating purulent bacterial inflammation.

Forecast

The prognosis is generally very good if an abscess is treated early and properly. The cat’s overall condition improves significantly after just a few days.

What can I do at home if I notice an injury or an abscess?

• Pay attention to the size, heat, pain, and whether your cat’s overall condition is changing
• Clean gently and disinfect the area: Open or soiled wounds can be gently cleaned with a mild disinfectant solution suitable for cats. Do not rub or press too hard.
• Prevent licking: If possible, prevent the cat from licking the area (e.g., by keeping a close eye on it or using a protective collar)

Important: Do not attempt to lance or squeeze abscesses yourself. In most cases, a veterinary examination is necessary.

Our tip

Abscesses in cats are common, but they should not be underestimated. Early veterinary treatment prevents complications and ensures a quick recovery. It’s especially important to check outdoor cats regularly for injuries or swelling, because the sooner an abscess is treated, the smoother the healing process will be.

Some cats are particularly “combative” and seem to view every bush as a boxing ring. Over time, their owners almost become true abscess experts.
Despite all the routine, however, the rule remains: it’s better to seek veterinary advice once too often than once too late. You can easily get this advice from home through our online vet. Calingo customers can take advantage of this free telemedicine service at any time.

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