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Why isn't my cat's bite abscess stitched? Is an open wound normal?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | 7 lbs

Hi my cat had an abscess from a cat bite. We took to vet who then lanced it and squeezed out blood and puss, had 1 week antibiotics and pain killer, and then sent home. Now we thought this was wrong as it left an open wound and we knew what what would happen and it did. He started to scratch it and flesh was hanging off and blood everywhere. Took him back got more meds and this time got a e collar, its still not sealing i think there should have been stitches is that right.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 20th, 2017

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I am sorry that Leo is having this issue. Cat bite abscesses are always left open to heal, because they need to be left open to drain. It is very important to keep Leo inside and also to keep the E-collar on, however these wounds need to be left open and take time to heal. If you stitch them up then it will cause the abscess to reform. Sometimes the wound gets so bad that it will need a surgical intervention and repair, however letting it heal by second intention (on it's own without surgery) is the first step and most often-times will heal like that. If pus is continuing to come out then re-visit with your vet as you might need more antibiotics. Best of luck with Leo.

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Ana M, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on January 28th, 2019
Thank you for submitting your question regarding Gus. It is very common for bite wounds to be left open as this allows drainage. Closing the wound can trap the infection under the skin. That being said, I recommend having him rechecked if he is not acting like himself. He may require additional pain medications or a change in his antibiotics. I hope this information helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on March 12th, 2018
We commonly leave abscesses to heal as open wounds. If you close this type of infected wound too quickly, you trap bacteria under the skin, which effectively creates a new abscess. We like for the body to heal these from the inside out. In very large abscess, they may be need to be surgically debrided and closed under anesthesia, but this is usually only performed in cases where there is a large wound that will not heal without assistance. Sometimes the wound will be closed with a drain inside to help with healing. I would discuss it with your vet when they come back from holiday. It can take many weeks for complete healing.

Here is some more information you may find helpful:
https://www.petcoach.co/article/abscesses-a-common-skin-condition-in-cats/

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=550
4Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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