Understanding and Treating Abscesses in Cats: Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention

This Abscesses in Cats content was written by a veterinarian, in the Petful Team and was last updated on July 17, 2024

Abscesses in Cats: What are they?

An abscess is a localized buildup of pus that occurs in cats when bacteria penetrate tissue — usually as a result of a fight or minor injury.

Important Note: The pus inside an abscess can be quite odorous. (Interestingly, I once worked with a vet tech who so enjoyed cleaning up abscesses that she considered it a perk of the job.)

Symptoms of Abscesses in Cats

A typical example of abscesses in cats is a cat bite abscess. Your cat may get into a fight, and a couple of days later, he is quieter than usual and has lost his appetite. You might notice a swelling on his flank, and when you try to inspect it, a normally placid cat hisses and growls. Does that sound familiar?

• After the initial injury, it can take 2 to 5 days for abscesses in cats to develop.
• In the early days, you might stroke your pet and find a clump of sticky hairs or a scab marking the site of a small wound. This area may be tender and warm to the touch.
• As infection brews beneath the surface, pus builds up, and a swelling develops.
• If an abscess bursts, don’t panic. Pus can be foul-smelling and bloodstained, which looks dramatic, but the animal is in no danger of hemorrhage.

For more information on treating a cat bite abscess, visit Petful.

Recognizing Fight Wound Infections

Recognizing fight wound infections is crucial in preventing abscesses in cats. Fight wounds often occur during territorial disputes with other cats or animals. These wounds can be small but deep, sealing over quickly and trapping bacteria inside.

• Symptoms: Look for signs of swelling, pain, and fever at the puncture site. Swelling may develop into an abscess if not treated promptly.
• Behavior Changes: Cats may become more reclusive, stop eating, or show signs of discomfort when touched near the wound.
• Immediate Actions: If you suspect a fight wound, clean the area with a disinfectant and monitor it closely. Consult your veterinarian if swelling or other symptoms appear.

Causes of Abscesses in Cats

Any injury that penetrates the skin’s protective barrier can result in abscesses in cats.

• Bites: Bites are a common cause because the attacker’s teeth are coated in bacteria. For more details, visit Veterinary Partner.
• Tooth Root Abscesses: Tooth root abscesses can develop when a tooth crown cracks or becomes damaged, and bacteria from the mouth track down the root. Learn more about tooth root abscesses at VCA Hospitals.
• Skin Penetrations: Anything that pierces the skin, such as a grass awn between the toes, can set off an abscess. The body tries to “wall off” the infection, hence the formation of a lump filled with pus.

Key Differences Between Dog and Cat Abscesses

Understanding the key differences between dog and cat abscesses can help in providing targeted care for each species.

• Causes: While both dogs and cats can develop abscesses from bites and injuries, cats are more prone to abscesses from fights due to their territorial nature. Dogs are more likely to develop abscesses from foreign objects like splinters or thorns.
• Behavioral Indicators: Cats often hide when they are in pain, making it harder to detect abscesses early. Dogs, on the other hand, may show more obvious signs of discomfort.
• Treatment Responses: Cats may require more sedation during treatment due to their smaller size and higher stress levels in clinical settings. Dogs generally tolerate minor procedures better but may need more extensive follow-up care due to their active nature.

For more information on abscesses in dogs, please visit Petful's article on abscesses in dogs.

Diagnosing Abscesses in Cats

Your vet will suspect a skin abscess from your cat’s symptoms and history, such as a recent fight, loss of appetite, and running a fever.

• Confirmation: Confirming the diagnosis is easily done (provided the patient is not too sore) by inserting a needle into the swelling and seeing if pus drips out.
• Dental Abscesses: Dental abscesses can be tricky to diagnose. Dental radiographs are necessary to identify exactly which tooth is causing the problem. For more information on dental radiographs, visit the American Veterinary Dental College.

Treatment of Abscesses in Cats

By the time an abscess is obvious, a course of antibiotics is required to settle the infection. Most vets use a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is effective against the staphylococci bugs found on the skin's surface. Learn more about staphylococci bugs at the Mayo Clinic.

• Antibiotic Treatment: Most abscesses in cats respond well to broad-spectrum antibiotics.
• Culturing Pus: Rarely, the abscess fails to respond. In such cases, a sample of pus is cultured to identify which bacteria are present and determine the most effective antibiotic to use.

An important part of treating abscesses in cats involves a few key steps:

• Lance the Abscess: This involves making a small incision to allow the pus to drain.
• Drain the Pus: Ensuring all the pus is removed to prevent further infection.
• Flush the Cavity: Cleaning the abscess cavity thoroughly.

This minor surgical procedure is often done with the patient sedated because it can be sore and uncomfortable.

Post-Treatment Care for Abscesses

Post-treatment care is essential for the successful recovery of abscesses in cats. Proper aftercare ensures that the abscess heals fully and prevents complications.

• Wound Care: Keep the area clean and dry. Follow your vet's instructions for cleaning and medication.
• Monitor for Complications: Watch for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge. If these occur, contact your veterinarian immediately.
• Behavioral Monitoring: Ensure your cat is eating well and behaving normally. Any changes in appetite or behavior could indicate a problem.
• Follow-Up Appointments: Attend all scheduled follow-up visits with your veterinarian to monitor the healing process.

How to Prevent Abscesses in Cats (H2)

Preventing abscesses in cats involves proactive care:

• Clean Fresh Wounds: If you find a fresh wound on your cat, bathing the injury with a weak disinfectant can reduce contamination and the risk of abscess formation.
• Neutering: Getting your cat neutered can reduce their tendency to roam and get into fights over territory, lowering the risk of injuries that can lead to abscesses.
• Abscess Location Insights: The location of an abscess can tell a lot about a cat’s behavior. An abscess on the head suggests the cat was facing the opposition, whereas an abscess on the rear indicates the cat was running away.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

References

• Small Animal Internal Medicine. Nelson & Couto. Publ: Mosby. 3rd edition.
• “Abscesses in Cats.” VCA Animal Hospitals. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/abscesses-in-cats
• “Cat Abscesses: Causes and Treatments.” Sydney Veterinary Specialists. https://www.sydneyvetspecialists.com.au/cat-abscesses-causes-and-treatments/
• “Abscesses in Cats.” PetMD. https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/skin/c_ct_abscessation
• “Fight Wound Infections in Cats.” VCA Animal Hospitals. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/fight-wound-infections-in-cats
• “Penrose Drain Discharge Instructions for Cats.” VCA Animal Hospitals. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/penrose-drain-discharge-instructions-for-cats