My cat was bitten by another cat and has a lump. Is it an abscess?

If Cali fights with other cats, she could have an abcsess on her tail from a cat bite. I would be concerned because it’s bothering her, so I would take her into a vet today or tomorrow to have it examined, diagnosed, and treated. I hope this helps!

This may be an abscess, a cyst or a tumor. You should have it examined by your veterinarian, as it is not possible to distinguish these by just looking at a photo. An abscess can usually be treated with antibiotics and/or be lanced, and a cyst can be evacuated. To identify a tumor, your vet may want to do a fine needle aspirate (he takes some material from the bump with a needle and then looks at it under the microscope) to determine whether the mass is concerning.

I would definitely take him to the vet to have this checked. From what you say I wonder if this is a tissue reaction to a little piece of the bug left behind. It looks more like reaction and infection than a tumour, but that is always a possibility. I wouldn't let that put you off, head to the vet and see what they think.

Hello, and thank you for your question. This looks very suspicious for an abscess (localized area of infection). The puncture wound may have been the entry point for bacteria to enter. I would recommend getting Angel to the vet within the next 1-2 days. They can take a sample of the fluid to confirm the nature of the mass, and start antibiotic therapy if it is an abscess. In the meantime, I would ensure Angel does not scratch the area, by putting a scarf or e-collar (cone) on (it is difficult to say which would be best, as I can't tell the exact location of the lump in the photo). You can also try to disinfect the area by gently wiping with a dilute solution of betadine and water (1:10). I hope this helps, and that Angel feels better soon.

This could be a cat bite abscess. Your kitty may have been in a fight. If she lets you you can put a warm compress on it with warm epsom salt solution which may make the abscess burst. If it does not burst by tomorrow, take her to your veterinarian who can lance it. In case it is not an abscess your vet can then examine the lump or injury and treat it accordingly.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding your cat. She will need to see her veterinarian to have the swelling evaluated. It is likely another abscess. She will need to have it lanced to allow the infection to drain out. She will need oral antibiotics as well. I hope this information helps!

Hello. I would have this looked at by your vet tomorrow. The most common thing we see in cats are bite abscesses & it is really amazing how hard it is to sometimes find a bite wound. A cat's bite can leave a tiny needle like puncture & an abscess can begin to develop within hours. It can be very painful & make Buddy feel sick. Your vet can quickly determine if this is the cause of his lump, lance & treat it & Buddy will be feeling better very soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.