Somehow or another our cat ended up with a cut on his neck, what can we do for him? See details please!?

Question

We are not sure if he scratched at a itch or something to hard, or if a dog got him or what, but he came in the other day with a cut on his neck and it was bleeding. The next day that side of his face was a little swollen, now it has lots of puss coming from it, some clear, some not. The swelling has gone down a lot. My hubby just got laid off so money is TIGHT, and as much as I don't want the cat to suffer, a trip to the vet is near impossible right now. Is their anything I can get at a store to put on it or anything I can do for him to help it heal faster? Like Kitty Neosporin or something of the nature? Thanks!

Answer 1

The first time my older cat had a cut on his shoulder (from playing too hard with his brother) about a year ago I lucked out because I was about to take him in for a regular checkup that was already part of my budget that month. I was able to show the vet the cut and ask a lot of questions without spending any extra money which was really fabulous because I definitely understand about money being tight.

He explained to me that the clear liquid was plasma, just like when humans get cut, which relieved some of my worries because I was freaked out by it all. Thankfully my cat didn't have an infection (cats bodies automatically create a kind of barrier between themselves and an open wound, isolating it almost entirely, so that infection usually won't pose an overall health problem for them, instead only affecting the wound itself), so I didn't have to get any antibiotics. Then he gave me some terrific advice which I've used a number of times since then because apparently my cats are in that "rough-n-tumble" phase.

He advised me to use a hot compress three or four times a day, using a soft washcloth if the wound is just showing plasma, paper towel if it's more than plasma. He said the best way to apply it is to first get the compress ready then to take "his furry highness" (an official title *winks*) to my bed or couch and sit cross-legged, cradling him in my legs and lightly holding the scruff of his neck. Doing so both keeps him prone and makes him relax and feel safe, and you'll know you're doing it correctly if he starts to purr - apparently they can't help purring through it because we're physically Mothering them in a way they recognize and accept. Place the cloth on the wound and apply gentle pressure on it until the cloth is almost cooled (which is usually under five minutes). This helps draw out anything that might be in the wound, including infection, without potentially hurting or stressing your cat. It also helps make sure that as scabbing occurs it remains above the skin so that the wound heals properly rather than abscessing. As the wound heals you can do it less frequently.

For the most part, cats are far sturdier than we realize, so unless the infection seems to worsen your kitty should be okay - just keep an eye on his habits, if he starts ignoring his food or behaving in a way that's not normal for him the infection may have worsened. Give your vet a call and appraise him of the situation, he may be willing to work out a payment schedule of some sort if it becomes necessary to take the cat in or if he can't he'll probably know of another vet that can or what other local resources exist for you. I hope this helps and that your cat feels better soon hon, good luck!

Answer 2

Clean the wound with cotton ball soaked in antibacterial soap & rinse with fresh water once a day for a couple of days - don't press hard, be very gentle especially if it's swollen. After a couple of days, if it's still got pus, then you'll have to see a vet (some vets accept payment plans). Don't put any antiseptic or ointment unless recommended by a vet, you could poison your cat or make the situation much worse. Good luck.

Answer 3

Oh hun, I understand completely.

If money is tight, go to your local ASPCA or humane animal shelter and explain the situation to them.

In my case, then said money wasn't an issue, as the health of animals is their top priority. Also in some places failing to get medical care for your animal can be considered a criminal offense, so I'd suggest trying everything you can.

As I was saying go to your cities "humane society" or animal shelter, explain the situation to them, and ask if there is anything they can do.

What they might do is ask you to sign the animal over to them for treatment, with the expectation that you will "adopt" the animal back after treatment, and go on a payment plan of some sort to pay them back.

If that doesn't happen at the least you can ask them for some unconventional methods of soothing the wounds so the infection will go down.

Answer 4

This happend to my cat when it got into a fight with a raccoon and lost. Money was tight for me then too, My vet suggested using hydrogen peroxide on a cotton ball or Q-tip and soaking the wound to clean out the bacteria. I would suggest wrapping the cat in a towel then doing this because my cat freaked when I did it. continue to wash the wound out with the peroxide and keep it clean and dry and my kitty healed on his own. hope this helps, Good Luck!

Answer 5

regular neosporin is okay for cats. My sister puts it on hers when injuries occur. But if the cut becomes really infected or the cat starts to hide out and has a fever (it will feel really, really hot) you will need to take it in to the vet. Maybe the neosporin will clear it up for you. Good luck.

Answer 6

when a cat gets into a cat fight
99% of the time or more - it will be infected
and you will need to go to the Vet for the antibiotics

sorry the news is not better
our old boy does not get out anymore

last trip was $400

so sorry

Answer 7

It sounds as though its infected which could mean that you may have to take your cat to the vet!!! As you do not want it to get worse! it will cost more otherwise!

But in the meantime you could get a bowl of hot water and salt and with a cotton ball dampen the area day n night along with betadine on the area!! that could help!

Answer 8

same thing happened to my cat,
we took him to the vet and gave him a antibiotic and some kitty neosporin,
and it healed up just fine
i would take him to the vet just to make sure its not infected
good luck

Answer 9

if pus coming out squeeze till all out,then clean with boiled water pinch of salt 3 times a day ,should heal ok,but make sure all pus out.clean area well.prob a cat bite

Answer 10

You need to get her spayed. Just because the male is neutered doesn't mean he's forgotten how to recognize a female in heat. It may also be a dominance issue. He is trying to show her he is the alpha male.