Cats can sometimes become injured and sustain wounds while exploring their environment. In this blog post, our Weldon Spring vets list common causes of cat wounds, how to care for a cat wound, and when to take your beloved kitty to a veterinarian.
Cat Wounds
Due to their curious, adventurous nature, most cats will sustain some kind of wound during their lifetime, whether they stay indoors or tend to wander outdoors.
Wounds are injuries that cause damage to the skin and/or underlying tissues. They may be open wounds, like cuts, or closed wounds, like bruises.
Reasons for these injuries abound, including stepping on a sharp object, getting an item stuck in their paw, or fighting with another cat. While some minor wounds can be treated at home, more severe injuries will need to be addressed by a vet.
If you do find that your cat has an injury, it's important to remain calm and treat the wound as soon as possible. Even minor wounds can become infected with bacteria and viruses, and any wound that's left untreated can cause more severe health issues.
Signs of Cat Wounds
Cats are excellent at hiding their pain. As a cat parent, remember to always monitor your feline friend for any signs of injury, such as:
- Tenderness
- Torn Skin
- Missing Fur
- Limping
- Pain
- Bleeding
If a wound isn't spotted right away, it can become worse or infected, potentially causing these symptoms:
- Fever
- Abscess
- Pus/Discharge
Common Wounds in Cats
If you see any of the above signs in your kitty, they may have one of these common wounds or injuries:
- Scratches
- Hotspots
- Cuts
- Scrapes
- Burns
- Skin Rashes
- Insect Bites
How to Take Care of a Cat Wound
The minute a cat is injured, its immune system automatically starts working to heal itself and fight off infections. However, this sometimes isn't enough. You may need to take action immediately to keep the wound from becoming worse and to prevent infection.
Here are the first steps you should take if your cat is wounded:
Contact Your Veterinarian
If you notice your cat is injured, don't hesitate to call your veterinarian. They will tell you the steps you need to take based on the type of wound your cat has received and the level of bleeding (if any). You should follow these instructions carefully.
Assess the Wound For Signs of Infection
If your cat's wound is older, it could already develop an infection. Some signs of infection are abscess, fever, noticeable discomfort or pain, behavioral changes, or a discharge of pus. If you find signs of infection, it's essential to bring your cat to the vet as quickly as possible for treatment, which could consist of antibiotics.
Determine the Severity of the Wound
If you didn't spot any signs of an infection, your kitty's wound is likely fresh. It should be easy to determine the severity of the wound just by looking at it. If a cast, stitches, or surgery is required, you should immediately call your vet or bring your cat to the nearest emergency vet.
Manage the Bleeding
When treating a cat's minor open wound, administering successful first aid care and managing any bleeding is key. You may be able to staunch the bleeding by applying pressure directly to the wound with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. Depending on the depth and location of the wound, a blood clot could take approximately 10-15 minutes to form. If a blood clot isn't forming properly, you should immediately take your cat to an emergency vet.
If possible, you can also try to help slow down the bleeding by raising the limb to the level of the heart.
When to Take Your Cat to the Vet
If your cat shows signs of infection, severe bleeding, broken limbs, fever, or other severe damage, you should take it to the vet as quickly as possible.
If you are uncertain if a veterinary visit is necessary, call your veterinarian, who will inform you if your cat's injury needs to be addressed by a veterinarian.
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.