Cat Wound Care

Cats are very curious creatures and love to explore, but this could lead to them encountering a wound along the way. Today, our Franklin vets discuss some common wounds seen in cats and how you can care for them.

Common Cat Wounds 

Accidents are common among animals and people, and although cats are quite graceful creatures they are still susceptible to injuries. 

While it may not be an emergency if your cat suffers from a minor wound, even smaller injuries require care as soon as possible. Without treatment, even minor wounds have a chance of becoming infected and causing severe health issues. 

Here are some common wounds that your cat may suffer from at some point:

Signs to Watch For

You should be sure to occasionally examine your cat for any of the following potential wounds:

If a wound becomes infected you may notice:

• Discharge (pus) from the wound
• Abscesses 
• Signs of a fever 

Steps to Take for a Wounded Cat

If you have examined your cat and notice any signs of a fresh wound, you should:

1. Inspect your cat for signs of infection – infection can happen no matter how recently the injury occurred. Some of the most common signs of infection are:
   
   • Fever
   • Lethargy
   • Abscesses

   • Pus discharge
   • Change in behavior
   • Noticeable pain or discomfort
2. Determine the severity of the wound – If the wound is serious, which will be easy to determine, then you should contact your vet immediately for veterinary attention. If the wound is less severe then you will still need to administer medical attention but you should be able to care for the injury at home.
3. Manage the flow of blood – If your pet's wound is actively bleeding then you will need to slow the blood flow. You can easily do this by using a clean cloth to apply pressure directly to the wound for approximately 5 - 10 minutes until the bleeding. however, if you have been applying pressure and cannot get the bleeding to slow you should contact your vet right away.
4. Flush the wound – Minor wounds can be easily cleaned using a wet cloth along with iodine or a saline solution. If possible you should also remove any debris possible during this time without rubbing. 
5. Apply an antimicrobial hydrogel – After you have assessed and thoroughly cleaned the wound you should now apply an antimicrobial treatment product such as Vetericyn Plus® Feline Antimicrobial Hydrogel, to speed up healing and prevent infection.
6. Monitor the wound – Cleaning and providing bacterial protection for the wound is of the utmost importance, once you have done this you should continue to monitor your cat and the wound daily for any signs of inflammation or infection. Ensure that your cat does not chew at or lick the bandages or the wound itself during the healing process. 

If your cat begins to develop signs or symptoms of infection, you should seek urgent medical care

Veterinary Care

Your vet may be required to remove any fur at the site of the injury if the wound is severe and your cat needs immediate veterinary attention. 

The treatment methods for your cat will vary greatly depending on the type of wound, the severity, the location of the injury as well as whether your cat is showing signs of infection.

Glue, along with a thorough cleaning might typically be used if the wound is smaller, while more serious wounds that are deeper may require the removal of foreign objects or debris as well as a thorough cleaning and sutures to help the wound stay sealed during the healing process.

If an infection is noted during the examination then your vet may choose to leave the wound open and focus the wound care on resolving the infection before then applying sutures once it has been cleared.

If your cat is suffering from an infection, then your vet will prescribe medication. It is important to ensure that you follow the instructions exactly and that you complete the entire course of the prescription. 

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.

Are you concerned about a wound your cat has encountered? Contact your Franklin vet immediately to have your cat examined and treated.