Has your cat got a wound?

As a cat owner, you will probably experience wounds on your cat during its life. If there are cats or other animals in the neighborhood, this can lead to fierce fights with both claws and teeth. Tears and bite wounds are therefore quite common for the outdoor cat, who resolves conflicts with a real fight. The curious cat can also injure itself on its daily excursions – sneaking under barbed wire fences, stepping on broken glass or other unforeseen obstacles. If the wounds are small, you can often treat them yourself, but always keep an eye on them so that they do not become infected. Small injuries can also get infected and develop into larger wounds that require a visit to the vet.

Treatment of wounds on cats

You open the door and your cat comes in, looking a little disheveled after being outside for a walk. It's always a good idea to check your cat's entire body daily, from nose to tail tip. The first thing you should do if you spot a wound is to assess its severity. Does it look large and deep? Is it bleeding a lot? In the case of acute injuries such as dog bites and serious accidents, just contact your vet as soon as possible, while you try to stop the bleeding with a pressure bandage. At the vet, your cat can get painkillers, and we assess whether the wound needs to be stitched or if a skin graft is needed. For small scratches that do not affect the cat much, you can take care of them yourself. Here it is important to keep infection away by keeping the wound clean.

How to clean wounds on cats?

1. For dried blood stains in the fur, loosen them with a little lukewarm water. If there is a lot of fur in the way, you can try shaving some of the fur off. If you are cutting with small scissors, you must be extremely careful not to cause damage to the skin.
2. To clean the wound, you can use physiological saline. This is a solution that is gentle and safe to use, even for cleaning more sensitive areas such as the nose and eyes. Pour the saline onto the wound to rinse it, or dip a cotton pad in the solution and clean gently.
3. As a follow-up treatment, you should keep an eye on the wound. If you notice swelling or more redness, you should contact your veterinarian. You can apply a wound cream or ointment, preferably honey ointment, which is not toxic or harmful if the cat ingests any.
4. The cat's mouth flora is full of bacteria, and so are its claws. If the cat cannot stop licking or scratching the wound, it is important to use a collar, bodysuit or paw socks until the wound has healed.

Can I use chlorhexidine or Pyrisept on cats?

We do not recommend cleaning the wound with antiseptics such as chlorhexidine and Pyrisept. These are medications that are not formulated for use on animals. Although they kill bacteria, they also kill the cells that repair the tissue. Alternatively, the solution can be diluted with water, but consult with your veterinarian first to ensure it is safe for your cat's specific situation.

Common wounds in the cat

Injuries to cats are often noticeable if they are located clearly visible near the eyes, ears, nose and mouth. If you have a cat with a lot of fur, it may take a little longer before you notice any injuries. Common wounds in cats include bite wounds, injuries that have occurred due to persistent scratching, and wounds on the paws.

Minor bite wounds on cats

One of the most common causes of wounds in cats is bite wounds from cat fights, but other animals can also attack the cat. If your cat is unlucky enough to encounter a viper, it will usually be bitten on the paw or face. If it is bitten on the head, you will see that its face will be swollen. If you suspect a bite wound from a viper, you should contact your veterinarian.

Sores on the skin due to itching

If the cat has scratched so much that it has sores on the skin, there can be various reasons for this. Have you changed cat food or tried a new cat litter brand? Then it may be that the itching comes from hypersensitivity or allergic reactions. Skin sores can also come off tick bite or when the cat scratches a lot in one place because of flea bites. By ear mite The cat can get sores on its ear, but also get into its eyes with its sharp claws due to the intense itching in the area.

Sore on the paw

The cat sleeps a lot, but also spends a lot of time on all fours. The paws are used extensively during outdoor adventures, walking over rough rocks, thorny bushes and shells. This can lead to wounds on the paws, such as small cuts. The cat may also start to limp if a foreign object gets stuck under the paw.

Cat boils - when the wound becomes infected

Is your cat swollen, hot and red in one place? This could be caused by a boil. These can vary in size and be painful. They can also cause lameness if the boil is located on the leg. Boils in cats occur when bacteria have entered a skin wound that has then closed. A buildup of pus forms under the skin that can eventually burst on its own. To prevent the spread of the infection, you should see a veterinarian so that a new boil does not form.

Symptoms of boils

1. A noticeable lump or swelling under the skin, often filled with pus.
2. Redness, warmth, and tenderness around the affected area.
3. The cat may lick or scratch the area a lot.
4. Poor general condition such as lethargy, reduced appetite and in some cases fever.

Treatment

If your cat has a painful boil, you should see a veterinarian. Treatment usually involves opening and draining the boil, which may require anesthesia. Afterwards, your cat will be given antibiotics to fight the infection and possibly painkillers. It is important to keep the area clean and follow your veterinarian's instructions for further care.

Wounds on a cat - when should you see a vet?

See a veterinarian if:

• The wound bleeds heavily or does not stop.
• The wound is large or gaping.
• The wound is at the edge of the eyelid or the eye seems irritated.
• The injury appears infected with swelling and redness.
• Yellowish or greenish fluid is coming out of the wound.
• The cat has a fever exceeding 39°C.
• A foreign body may be lodged in the wound.
• Bite injuries that have punctured the skin, or suspected viper bite.
• It seems that the cat is in pain, has changed its general condition or behavior.
• The cat has no appetite.

If you live in Larvik and need veterinary help, please contact us at A-Vet Smådyrklinikk. See our prices og Book an appointment via the website. Our skilled veterinarians are available for questions and assistance. For urgent inquiries outside of our opening hours, we recommend contacting the nearest 24-hour veterinary clinic.