🩺 Bruising in Cats – Vet Guide 2025

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc – Ask A Vet Blog Writer

1. Why This Matters

Discovering a bruise on your cat can be alarming. Bruising isn’t common due to their thick skin and fur—when it occurs, it could signal trauma or a deeper medical problem. Early vet attention could be lifesaving.

2. What Is a Bruise?

A bruise (contusion or hematoma) forms when small blood vessels rupture under the skin, causing visible discoloration: red, purple, bluish, then yellow-green as it heals :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

3. Common Causes of Bruising

3.1 Trauma & Soft-Tissue Injuries

Injuries such as falls, fights, or car accidents cause bruising and swelling on muscle/tissue :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}. Soft-tissue trauma often shows pain, limping, and reluctance to move :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.

3.2 Coagulation Disorders

Low platelets (thrombocytopenia) prevent clotting—leading to bruising from minor bumps :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.

Inherited clotting factor deficiencies like Hemophilia A/B are rare but serious :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.

Rodenticide toxins and liver disease also impair clotting and cause bruising :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.

DIC is a catastrophic clotting collapse causing bruises and bleeding :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.

3.3 Immune-Mediated & Infectious Causes

Autoimmune platelet destruction, infections (FeLV, FIV, ehrlichiosis) lead to bleeding spots and bruising :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.

3.4 Post-Surgical or Ear Hematomas

Minor bruising can appear near surgical sites—it may be normal unless excessive. Ear hematomas often require drainage or minor surgery :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.

4. Recognizing Bruising & Other Signs

• Skin discoloration: red/purple transitioning to green/yellow.
• Petechiae: tiny red pinpoints, especially on gums.
• Swelling, pain, limping, sensitivity.
• Signs of bleeding: nosebleeds, bloody stool/urine.
• Other systemic signs: lethargy, pale gums, fever.

Any unexplained or extensive bruising requires prompt veterinary evaluation :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.

5. Diagnostic Steps

1. History & Physical Exam: Assess trauma, drug exposure, systemic signs.
2. Bloodwork & Coagulation: CBC for platelets, clotting panels, liver enzymes :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
3. Blood Smear: Detect platelet clumping or destruction :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
4. Imaging: X‑rays for trauma; ultrasound/MRI if internal bleeding suspected :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
5. Specific Tests: Coag panel for hemophilia; infectious disease and toxin screening :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.

6. Treatment Approaches

6.1 If Trauma or Soft-Tissue Injury

• Rest and crate your cat to limit movement.
• Apply cold packs (≤ 10 min) then warm compresses after 48 h :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
• NSAIDs or pain relief under vet guidance.
• Follow-up X‑rays or ultrasound if pain persists.

6.2 Addressing Clotting Problems

• Platelet transfusion for severe thrombocytopenia :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
• Immunosuppressives (prednisone, etc.) for immune-mediated issues :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.
• Vitamin K for rodenticide or liver disease-related bleeding :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.
• Fresh-frozen plasma for DIC or clotting factor deficiency :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.

6.3 Treating Ear Hematomas

• Drainage or surgical correction with suturing and bandaging :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}.
• Treat underlying ear infections or mites to prevent recurrence :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}.

6.4 Supportive & Home Care

• Limit activity: no jumps, stairs, outdoors until healing.
• Monitor bruises: take photos, note changes daily.
• Clean affected areas gently and support comfort.
• Ensure good nutrition and hydration.
• Use bandages or soft padding for protection if needed.

7. Recovery & Follow-Up

Mild bruises often resolve in 1–2 weeks. Keep appointments for monitoring bleeds, clotting status, and healing. Watch for re-bleeds or systemic signs.

8. When to Contact Your Vet

• Rapidly increasing bruises or swelling.
• Bleeding from gums, nose, wound, or urine/stool.
• Weakness, collapse, difficulty breathing.
• Persistent pain, reluctance to move, poor appetite.

9. Ask A Vet, Woopf & Purrz 🐾

With Ask A Vet, get veterinary consultation via chat/video—ideal for ongoing monitoring of bruising or clotting issues. Visit AskAVet.com and download the app for swift advice.

Woopf’s supportive pads and trauma wraps are perfect for bruised areas needing protection. Purrz calming diffusers can ease stress if injury was due to conflict or accident, aiding recovery.

10. Prevention Strategies

• Keep cats indoors or supervise outside time to reduce trauma.
• Store rodenticides securely or avoid them.
• Vaccinate and prevent infections (FeLV, FIV).
• Routine wellness checks—CBC/coag panels yearly.

11. Key Takeaways

• Bruising in cats isn’t normal—prompt investigation is vital.
• Evaluate for trauma as well as systemic clotting issues.
• Treatment depends on cause: rest, clotting support, or surgery.
• Home care, monitoring, and communication with vet are crucial.
• Support is available through Ask A Vet, Woopf and Purrz—all working together for your cat's wellness.

12. Final Thoughts

Bruising in cats is a red flag. With swift care, diagnostics, and supportive measures, most cats recover fully. You’re not alone—ask for help via Ask A Vet, use calming tools, and stay proactive. Dr Duncan Houston BVSc wishes your feline friend a safe recovery. 💕