Abscesses in Cats from Bite Wounds 🐱🩹

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Abscesses are a common and painful complication of cat fights, especially in outdoor or intact cats. These swellings are filled with infection and pus and often go unnoticed until they rupture or become visibly swollen. In this guide, Dr Duncan Houston explains how to recognize, treat, and prevent abscesses caused by feline bite wounds. 🧪

🔍 What Is an Abscess?

An abscess forms when bacteria from a bite wound is trapped beneath the skin. As the surface seals over, the infection grows internally. Pus builds up, pressure increases, and eventually the area ruptures, releasing foul-smelling discharge. 🤢

Common Locations:

• 🐾 Legs (especially hind limbs)
• 🧠 Cheeks and face
• 🌀 Base of the tail

📋 Signs to Watch For at Home

Before rupture:

• 🌡️ Fever, lethargy
• 📉 Decreased appetite
• 🛌 Tender, warm swelling

After rupture:

• 💔 Pus draining or dried
• 👃 Foul odor
• 🧼 Licked or hairless spot
• 🩸 Raw or torn skin around the area

Sometimes, the wound is buried beneath fur, making it hard to spot. You may only detect an odor, a scab, or a sore spot when petting your cat. 🕵️

🧪 Veterinary Treatment

Once identified, abscesses require immediate veterinary care:

• 🩺 Lancing & draining if abscess is closed
• 🧼 Flushing out pus with antiseptics
• 🧵 Suturing or surgical trimming if skin is damaged
• 📍 Rubber drain placement for larger abscesses (to aid drainage)
• 💉 Sedation may be needed for painful or large wounds

Antibiotics Options:

• 💊 Oral pills or liquids (7–10 days)
• 💉 Convenia® injection—lasts 14 days (no home dosing!)

Let your vet know your preferred medication format—especially if your cat is hard to medicate. 🎯

🔥 At-Home Care Tips

Warm Compressing:

• 🧻 Use a warm washcloth (not hot)
• 🕒 Apply for 5–10 minutes, 1–2x daily for the first few days
• 💧 Helps pus drain and speeds healing

If a Drain Is Placed:

• 🧴 You may be instructed to flush it with diluted antiseptic
• 🧽 Keep the area clean and monitor for signs of worsening
• 📞 Notify your vet if swelling or discharge increases

🧬 Viral Testing & Vaccination

Important Reminder:

• 🧫 Bite wounds can transmit serious viruses like FeLV and FIV
• 🧪 Testing is recommended, especially if your cat has not been screened in the past year
• 🧬 Ideal testing window: 60+ days after the bite for FeLV/FIV exposure

Positive cats require additional care and should be kept indoors. Prevention of future spread and protection of immune health becomes the priority. 🛡️

💉 Rabies Vaccination

If your cat is unvaccinated or overdue, a rabies booster is strongly advised. Rabies is fatal and transmissible through bite wounds. Vaccination is crucial. ✅

📈 Healing Timeline

Most abscesses resolve within 7–10 days of proper treatment. However, deep or long-standing infections may take longer. Follow up with your vet if:

• ⏳ The wound is not healing after 1 week
• 📈 Swelling increases or fever returns
• 💧 Drainage becomes excessive or changes appearance

📱 Ask A Vet App Support

Need help managing your cat’s wound? The Ask A Vet app offers:

• 📷 Image uploads of the wound for vet feedback
• 💬 Live chats to troubleshoot at-home care
• 🧾 Medication guidance and reminder setup
• 📆 Follow-up scheduling help

🏁 Final Takeaway

Bite wound abscesses are painful, smelly, and potentially dangerous. Early care, proper drainage, antibiotics, and follow-up are key to full recovery. Test for viruses, stay up to date on vaccines, and use warm compresses at home. If in doubt, ask your vet or connect via the Ask A Vet app. 🐱🩹❤️