My cat has a wound on the side of his face, we believe it's an allergy to fleas, and he keeps scratching it. So bad that it's becoming an open wound. The vet is way to expensive, so I want to know if I can do anything at home, before I have to take him to the vet.
So would using peroxide on him be ok?
2007-01-08 10:08:10 · 9 answers · asked by Pluto 3 in Pets ➔ Cats
LMAO Put my cat in the bathtub?? Any tips on how to do that???? Last time I tried that, I got one hell of a fight!! Scratches everywhere, and giant gashes!!
2007-01-08 10:14:35 · update #1
And how do I keep him from scratching it?? We don't have one of those cone thingies. Anything other then a paper party hat I could use?? lol
2007-01-08 10:16:21 · update #2
When I say open wound, I mean the fur is gone, and it's got a little bit of blood, from where he's been scratching it. The blood is only sitting at the surface, it isn't leaking out or anything.
2007-01-08 10:50:52 · update #3
I'd stay away from peroxide. The problem now is it's become an open wound. That's not good at all. He might possibly have an infection now and need antibiotics for it.
I know vets are expensive. Is there a vet or a vet clinic in your area that would be less expensive? Call your local pet shelters or ASPCA and ask if they know of anyone.
If he has a flea allergy, you must treat him for fleas. I know the flea treatments from the vet, like Frontline or Advantage, might be too expensive. Go to PetSmart and ask them for a good flea control product. They will help you.
Good luck and I know he'll be fine.
2007-01-08 10:15:50 · answer #1 · answered by ameliacates 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Witch hazel is much milder on a sore and has mild antiseptic properties. Calendula gel (from a health food store) is also soothing and healing and will help close up a surface wound fast. Nor for use on a wound that is deep and may be harboring an infection though as the infection will get sealed in.
I would probably wipe it gently with the witch hazel, put an antibiotic cream on it (just a little). Then the next day I would clean it again with the witch hazel and put the calendula gel on it.
2007-01-08 18:44:07 · answer #2 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just on the hydrogen peroxide--NO. My cat had a little inflamed abrasion on her neck that the vet said looked like might have been an insect bite, & prescribed ointment which just seemed to make it worse. I thought maybe some wet, warm compresses would be better, asked the vet, & she said yes, but be careful to pat dry. The ointment was keeping it too moist, so it would never have healed. This isn't the same as your case however, & she wasn't scratching. LISTEN TO SEATTLE!!!!!
2007-01-08 18:29:19 · answer #3 · answered by Psychic Cat 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi there...hydrogen peroxide should never be used on open wounds which are abraded. The solution causes bubbling and therefore forces the bacteria deeper into the wound and the end result is slower healing and scarring. It's best to only clean with water and antibacterial soap.
More on why not to use Hydrogen peroxide for wounds: http://www.nurseminerva.co.uk/wound.htm#q1
The problem with hydrogen peroxide and some other traditional debriding agents is that they also damage the healthy cells (keratinocytes and fibroblasts) that are needed for wound healing and inhibit their necessary migration into the damaged area.
2007-01-08 18:11:57 · answer #4 · answered by ♪ Seattle ♫ 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
For now you need an E-Collar to keep him from scratching it. Most pet stores and all vets will have them. Just make a few calls to make sure.
You need to take care of the fleas. Advantage and Frontline are generally the best.
2007-01-08 18:15:15 · answer #5 · answered by Rebecca P 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I reccomend using one of those collars that prevent them from licking themselve after surgery. They also prevent the cat from scratching at their face.
I don't recommend using peroxide, because if you use it you will have to rinse the area afterward. Use an anti-bacterial ointment and a flea treatment.
2007-01-08 18:32:08 · answer #6 · answered by emouse1974 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can use peroxide, just don't get it in his eyes. If this is an open wound, you really need to get it looked at so it doesn't get infected. There is really no way to get the cat to leave it alone. I don't think you could get a cat to wear an elizabethan collar even if you had access to one. It may help to trim and file his nails, but if you can't even bathe him, I don't see that happening.
2007-01-08 18:29:57 · answer #7 · answered by drumrchick 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋
I would not use peroxide! Clean the area well. You might try some liquid vitamin E on it.
2007-01-08 18:10:23 · answer #8 · answered by cat m 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Neosporine is fine for kittys scratch, but you need to get rid of the problem *fleas* first, so a good bathing should come first.
2007-01-08 18:11:07 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋