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2-day-old kitten with open wound: What to do until vet visit?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | 2 days old

I have a two day old kitten that appears to have a small open wound on its side, what should I do while I wait to take it to a vet tomorrow?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 28th, 2016

The main concern is to keep it clean and free of infection. You can lightly trim the hair around the wound and then do a thorough clean of the area with iodine diluted 50:50 with warm sterile water or chlorhexidine solution 3%. Then leave the area alone until Newborn can see the vet on tommorrow.

Since your kitten is so young use care not to introduce cold water because kitten cannot regulate his temperature very well. And it is best to use gloves when handling kitten as well.

4Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA
Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer
Until you can get to a vet, I would make sure the kitten is someplace warm and dry. You can gently clean the area with a warm washcloth and some soapy water if needed. There are no over-the-counter meds that would be safe for a kitten this young, so he will need to see a vet for an exam and possibly antibiotics as soon as possible.
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on April 18th, 2020
Continue to clean the area. You can use a diluted Betadine or chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) solution. Dry thoroughly afterwards. Keep the back end as clean and dry as possible. There is nothing OTC that you can safely given for pain. Ideally, the kitten should be seen at the nearest veterinary ER for an exam and treatment. Antibiotics may be indicated. Given current events, you may need to drop Little Man off then wait for a vet to call you to discuss exam findings and treatment options.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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