Does your cat have an abscess? Do this at home

You see a swelling at your cat’s tail base. Your cat may be lethargic with a fever, or just painful when you palpate his lower leg.

One of the MOST COMMON diagnoses I made in cats was a cat fight, leading to a puncture wound, and abscess!

Many of these can be treated at home, but it really helps IF your cat has a thriving immune system to help fight the infection (much less likely for this to get more serious).

Nutrients such as antioxidants, probiotics, medicinal mushrooms and probiotics can help.

ALL of these are in are Best Selling Cat supplement, which most cats LOVE 🙂

Keep Your Cat Thriving with Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Feline Health Formula

Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Feline Health Formula

Abscess in Cats: How to Identify, Treat, and Heal

As a veterinarian, I often see abscesses in cats, especially in those that have been in fights. Knowing how to recognize and treat these can make a big difference for your pet’s health. Let’s break down the key signs, causes, and solutions for dealing with abscesses at home.

Signs of an Abscess

One of the first signs of an abscess is a red, swollen area on your cat, often at the base of their tail. This is common in cats that have been in fights, as they are often bitten while running away. You may also notice puncture marks, and in some cases, bleeding if blood vessels are damaged. If the puncture affects a leg, you might see lameness as well.

Causes of Abscesses

The sharp teeth of cats can easily cause small puncture wounds that lead to abscesses. Your cat’s mouth is full of bacteria, and when bitten, these bacteria multiply, causing the abscess to form.

Solutions: When to Seek Help

It’s important to know when you can treat an abscess at home and when you should visit the vet. If your cat is lethargic, not eating, or not drinking, you need to see your veterinarian right away. Abscesses can lead to septicemia (blood poisoning) if bacteria spread throughout the body.

If your pet has a large swelling that isn’t draining, this will require surgical drainage by your vet. However, if the abscess is small, open, and draining, you can often manage it at home safely.

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At-Home Care for Abscesses

1. Barber Time: Trim the Hair

The first step is to trim the hair around the bite or wound. Use scissors to cut larger sections, and carefully use a disposable razor to trim closer to the skin. This will help keep the wound clean.

2. Keep It Clean

If possible, place your cat in the sink or bathtub and run lukewarm water over the bite or abscess for five minutes. If they don’t tolerate water, use a damp cloth or gauze sponge. Clean the area well with an antiseptic soap like chlorhexidine, available at most pharmacies. Perform this cleaning twice daily for 5-7 days.

3. Stay Open

The key to preventing the bite from turning into a more serious abscess is to keep the puncture wound open. Vigorously scrub the wound with a damp cloth and antiseptic soap. The puncture marks must stay open for at least three days to allow proper drainage. For larger abscesses that are draining, keep them open for three days after cleaning.

4. Licking: When to Allow It

For the first 3-4 days, let your cat lick the wound. Their saliva contains antibacterial properties that can help prevent abscess formation. After this time, discourage licking to allow the skin to heal. You can use an Elizabethan collar (E-collar) or apply a bad-tasting product like bitter apple around the wound to prevent licking.

Natural Remedies for Abscesses

1. Colloidal Silver

Many pet owners have successfully used colloidal silver to treat wounds and even cancers. It’s a suspension of tiny silver particles, available at health food stores and pharmacies. The dosage is half a teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight, given twice daily.

2. Herbal Remedies

• Goldenseal: A traditional antimicrobial herb. Apply a few drops of the tincture directly to the abscess twice daily until it heals.
• Oregon Grape: Another anti-inflammatory herb. Apply tincture drops twice daily to help the healing process.

3. Homeopathic Treatments

• Hepar Sulphuris Calcareum (Hepar Sulph): This remedy is particularly useful for abscesses that are foul-smelling and painful. Dose 30C two to three times daily for 3-5 days.
• Silicea: One of the top homeopathic remedies for abscesses. It helps draw out the abscess and remove debris from the wound. Dose 30C, twice daily for 3-5 days.

4. Honey for Healing

Honey can speed up the closure of open wounds. Apply honey twice daily to abscesses or abrasions that can’t be closed with surgery.

5. Propolis (Bee Glue)

Propolis is a fantastic natural remedy, effective for treating skin infections. It can be sprayed topically or given orally in doses of 100mg per 10 lbs daily. Unlike honey, it’s not sticky, making it easy to apply.

The most important part of treating an abscess at home is to keep the wound open and draining for 3-5 days. If your cat has a fever or other signs of infection, check for puncture wounds and seek professional help if necessary. Keeping your cat’s immune system strong is also essential. My Ultimate Feline Health Formula is a great supplement to support their immunity, and most cats love the taste!

Keep Your Cat Thriving with Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Feline Health Formula

Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Feline Health Formula

P.S. Keeping the abscess open and draining for at least 3-5 days is crucial.
P.P.S. Boosting your cat’s immune system can help prevent future infections. My cat supplement is a great option, full of immune-supportive ingredients!