Importance of Treating Cat Wounds
Cats are prone to injuries from fights with other animals, falls, and accidents around the home. One study found the lifetime rate of cat-induced injuries was 8.7% (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5129289/). Untreated wounds in cats can quickly lead to infections, pain, and other medical complications. Cats’ tendency to lick and scratch wounds can introduce bacteria and delay healing. Proper first aid and veterinary treatment helps wounds heal faster by cleaning out debris, controlling pain and infection risk, and closing the wound. Treating cat wounds as soon as possible after the injury prevents unnecessary suffering and improves recovery chances.
Identifying Cat Wounds
It’s important to promptly identify any wounds your cat may have sustained so that you can get treatment right away. Look for signs like cuts, punctures, swelling, or limping, especially after a fight with another animal or a fall. Changes in behavior like decreased activity levels or appetite could also indicate your cat is hurt. Excessive licking, biting, or scratching at an area is another telltale sign of a wound.
According to VCA Hospitals, if you know or suspect your cat has been in an altercation, notify your veterinarian immediately so antibiotics can be administered within 24 hours to help prevent infection from taking hold (source). Carefully inspect your cat’s body from head to tail, looking for any cuts, abrasions, or puncture wounds. Also check for swelling, discoloration, or matted fur which could hide an injury. The sooner a wound is identified, the better the treatment options and recovery outlook.
Cleaning the Wound
Properly cleaning your cat’s wound is one of the most important steps in promoting healing. Use a gentle saline or antiseptic solution to clean the wound area. Saline can help flush out dirt and debris, while antiseptics like chlorhexidine or diluted betadine can disinfect the wound without irritating the skin[1]. Avoid using hydrogen peroxide which can damage tissue when applied liberally.
To clean the wound, dip a clean towel or soft gauze in saline or antiseptic solution. Gently pat or wipe the wound area to remove any discharge or crusted material. Work from the edges in towards the center of the wound. Be very gentle, especially if your cat is in pain. Once finished cleaning, pat dry the area around the wound with a clean, dry towel or fresh gauze[2]. Proper cleaning will help prep the wound for dressings or bandages.
Repeat wound cleaning 2-3 times a day or as directed by your veterinarian. This will help prevent infection and keep the wound free of debris that can hinder healing. Always use new, clean materials each time you clean the area.
[1] https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Cat-Wound
[2] https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/care-of-open-wounds-in-cats
Bandaging the Wound
Bandaging a cat’s wound is an important step in the healing process. Though optional for small wounds, bandaging is highly recommended for large open wounds according to veterinarians (VCA Animal Hospitals). Bandages protect the wound, absorb drainage, and prevent further trauma or infection.
It’s important to use a pet-safe wrap or bandage and avoid wrapping too tightly, as this can restrict blood flow. The bandage should be snug but still allow normal function. Change the bandage 1-2 times per day to keep the wound clean. Look for signs of fresh bleeding when changing bandages. Contact your veterinarian if bleeding persists or increases.
Properly bandaged wounds will heal faster. But even properly wrapped wounds need diligent at-home care between vet visits. Be sure to monitor for signs of infection and don’t hesitate to call your vet at the first sign of trouble.
Pain Management
Properly managing your cat’s pain after a wound is critical for their recovery and comfort. There are several options for providing pain relief both with and without a prescription from your veterinarian.
For mild to moderate pain, some over-the-counter pain medications may be appropriate. Acetaminophen is sometimes used for cats but can be toxic so should only be given under the direction of a veterinarian and for short periods of time. There are also some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) made specifically for pets that can provide relief.
For more severe wounds or significant pain, prescription medications are likely needed. Opioids like buprenorphine are commonly prescribed by vets to manage pain after surgery or major trauma. Your vet may prescribe oral or topical medications that contain codeine, morphine, fentanyl, or hydromorphone. Only give such medications under the guidance of your vet and closely follow their dosage instructions.
No matter what type of pain medication you use, monitor your cat closely for side effects. Let your vet know if the medication does not seem to be adequately controlling their pain. With proper pain management, your cat’s wounds have the best chance of healing properly.
Antibiotics
For deep or infected wounds, a veterinarian will likely prescribe an antibiotic to prevent or treat infection. Oral antibiotics commonly used for cat wounds include amoxicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanate, cefazolin, and cefovecin. Topical antibiotic ointments may also be recommended.
It’s important to give the full course of antibiotics as directed by your veterinarian, usually for 5-14 days. Stopping the medication early can lead to recurring infection or antibiotic resistance. Only give your cat the prescribed antibiotic at the proper dosage. Follow all label instructions carefully.
According to research published in the Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, the antibiotic amoxicillin given orally at 11-22 mg/kg twice daily is an excellent choice for treating infected wounds and abscesses in cats.
Never give your cat antibiotics without a prescription and diagnosis from your veterinarian. Only use antibiotics as directed for the prescribed duration.
An Elizabethan collar (also called an E-collar) is an important tool for preventing your cat from licking or biting its wounds, which can disturb the healing process. The stiff plastic and fabric cones fit around your cat’s neck to block access to wounds on the body, head, or legs. While traditional plastic cones are effective, inflatable or soft fabric collars are available for a more comfortable fit.
Elizabethan Collar
According to VCA Animal Hospitals, an Elizabethan collar “is a plastic or fabric cone placed around the head to prevent an animal from aggravating a wound or reaching an irritated area.”[1] The collar creates a physical barrier that prevents your cat from biting, licking, or scratching their wounds. This is critical because disturbing injuries can delay healing, cause further trauma, or lead to dangerous infections.
The cone portion of the Elizabethan collar should extend beyond your cat’s nose and mouth to fully block access to wounds on the body. Your vet will recommend the appropriate size collar based on your cat’s size and shape. Although hard plastic e-collars effectively prevent wound interference, many cat owners find soft or inflatable collars more comfortable for their pets. These flexible collars allow cats to eat, drink, and sleep more easily, while still blocking wound access.
It’s important to monitor your cat while the Elizabethan collar is on. Remove it during meal times so your cat can eat and drink comfortably. Provide assistance and supervision if needed. Avoid leaving the collar on unattended for prolonged periods.
Sources:
[1] https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/elizabethan-collars-in-cats
Follow Up Vet Visits
If your cat’s wound begins to worsen or show signs of not improving, make sure to make an appointment with your vet for a follow up visit (1). The veterinarian will be able to assess if additional care is needed, such as resuturing the wound, providing treatment for an infection, or administering other treatments. Follow up visits allow the vet to closely monitor the healing process and make sure everything is progressing smoothly (2).
Most vets recommend a recheck appointment 3-5 days after the initial treatment to examine the wound and remove any sutures or staples if the wound has started healing. The vet will check for signs of proper healing such as decreased swelling, healthy tissue growth, and adequate wound closure. Follow up visits continue until the veterinarian determines the wound has healed completely (3).
These types of appointments are crucial for ensuring the best outcome for healing your cat’s wound. Close monitoring by your vet will help identify any complications early on so they can be quickly addressed. Follow up visits provide essential care on the road to recovery.
Home Care Tips
Caring for your cat at home while they heal from a wound is important to help prevent further injury and support the healing process. Here are some tips for home care:
– Limit activity to prevent re-injury. Keep your cat restricted to a small space like a bathroom or spare room to limit their movement. Provide litter, food, water, bedding, and toys in this safe space. Supervise any time out of the restricted area. Prevent jumping, running, and rough play that could reopen the wound.
– Soft bedding and litter to avoid irritating wound. Use soft, washable bedding and dust-free, gentle litter that won’t embed into or scrape against the wound. Change frequently to keep the area clean.
– Nutritious diet supports healing process. Feed a high-quality food and supplement with products high in vitamin C, zinc, and antioxidants. Hydrate with extra water. Consult your vet for diet recommendations. (Cite: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/care-of-open-wounds-in-cats)
Signs of Improvement
As your cat’s wound starts to heal, you should notice some positive signs. Reduced pain and swelling around the wound site is a good indicator that healing is progressing. You may also notice that the wound is closing up and any exposed tissue is covered with new pink skin. Your cat returning to normal activities like playing, eating, and grooming also suggests they are feeling better and healing. According to PetMD, healing for superficial wounds usually completes within 1-2 weeks.
