My cat has a belly scratch from playing. Should I be concerned?

This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). The area should be shaved first and washed profusely with clean water. Disinfection can be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths twice daily. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking/scratching. Sudocream or zinc oxide cream can be applied on the wound after cleaning and drying it up. Keep him indoors and keep in touch for updates. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

First of all i do not know if she is spayed, if she isn't it could be a first sign of mammary gland tumor and it needs to be checked by a vet. if she is spayed it's probably a skin issue, either an allergy, bacterial or fungal infection.

Hi, Thank you for reaching out with your question! The lesion in the photos appears to just affect the skin, so if it is from rough play with your other cat, it at least doesn’t appear to cut deeper into layers below the skin. I assume this is the only lesion on Sinbad. Therefore, given the lesion is superficial and solitary, you could certainly keep a close eye on it for any changes. If the lesion is actually deeper than the skin (like a puncture or full laceration), then you should definitely have a veterinarian thoroughly clean the wound. If you notice it changing shape, size, color, or produce any discharge, they I wouldn’t hestitate to take him to the vet. In the meantime, I would make sure the area is clean and dry. A regular washcloth with warm water (an antiseptic like betadine or chlorhexidine could be used if needed) should be sufficient to clean the area and provide warm compress. Your veterinarian can perform a physical exam and possibly some diagnostic related to the skin (skin scrape, biopsy, etc) if indicated.

Hi, and thanks for your question. This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection may be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking/scratching (if any). Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! At least on this picture this looks very superficial and it is very likely that it will resolve on its own as long as the area is kept nice and clean. If you have noticed Dexter licking at it, an e-collar to prevent that would be ideal. Otherwise, this should continue getting better. If no major improvement in the next week or so, have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment which may include antibiotics. Good luck and have a great day!

I am so sorry for your cats injuries. Please take her to your vet to have these injuries cared for properly. These are too extensive for at home treatment. Until you can get her in to your vet for much needed wound management and antibiotics; it is best to clean this with Betadine diluted 50:50 with warm water to help antiseptically clean the area. You can also try shaving the hair around the wounds to help remove dirt from the area, but only do so if your pet tolerates it. If not, then its best to just let your vet do it, as this is a crucial step in allowing these areas to heal well. I do hope that you are able to seek medical care for Kiara soon! Best of luck and take care. : )

This is a little spot of wet dermatitis, a superficial infection of the skin. It will usually settle if you can stop her licking at it and bathe it daily with hibi scrub. If it starts to spread or worsen you will need to go to the vet for medication.