Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Cat bite swelling still there after a week. What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 10 lbs

Last week I noticed that my male cat had a swollen bottom lip and several open wounds under his chin. They appeared to be puncture wounds from another cat. I cleaned them and applied a warm cloth for the swelling. It has been a week now and the wounds are healing very well but the swelling hasn't gone down. Is it normal for the swelling to remain for this long? Is there anything more that I can do at home for him?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 22nd, 2017

No, the swelling should not still be there after a week. Cat bites get infected very easily so Oliver probably needs antibiotics and anti-inflammatories to get this to clear up fully. The swelling you are seeing is either an abscess or cellulitis. He really needs to see your vet for this.

Here is a link about cat bites that will give you more in-depth information.

https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/wounds-fight-wound-infections-in-cats

There is nothing I can recommend you give him at home.Cats are very sensitive to over the counter medications (unlike dogs) and you could really cause him some harm if you try to give him any of those. He really needs medications prescribed by your vet.

Hope this helps. Best wishes.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My cat's face is swollen from a bite and worsening. What should I do?

I am sorry to hear about Clover. It definitely sounds like he needs to go to the veterinarian for this issue, especially since the swelling is worsening. We would worry about things like abscesses due to a wound, infected/abscessed tooth roots, and more. The vet will examine Clover and depending on their findings may recommend additional testing or treatment.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat has a swollen neck bite and is very sick. What can I do?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! You could try to keep it clean but aside from that, I am afraid that he will need veterinary care. Puncture or bite wounds can get infected rather quickly and result in a fever which may be why he is not eating. They can form abscesses that require local treatment and antibiotics. You could perhaps consider taking him to an emergency veterinarian who is open over the weekend. Good luck and have a great day!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Cat bite: swollen face, eye pus, antibiotics not working. What now?

HI, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Pussy Cat! I recommend having him rechecked as soon as possible. My worry is that the bite wound is now a closed abscess and needs to be lanced so it can drain. Antibiotics have a hard time penetrating a puss filled pocket. I would not recommend waiting a week. I hope this helps and I wish Pussy Cat a speedy recovery!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My cat's bite wounds are sore days after vet care. Is that normal?

I think the wounds looks really good. I would not be worried about him being sore. That is normal. It is possible for them to have missed something as sometimes an abscess can pop up after the fact although, the Convenia injection should keep the bacteria at bay, but it is possible. I cannot appreciate any other swelling from the photos. I can only see the shaved areas. I suggest you just monitor him for now since he is eating/drinking/etc and if the swelling does not go down or gets larger then he should go back to the vet for a follow-up exam.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My cat's bite wound is spreading. Is it infected? What should I do?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Olive. She will need to see her veterinarian to determine if she has developed an abscess or infection under the skin. In this case, surgery can be necessary to open and drain the wound. Oral antibiotics will be required as well. I hope this information helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat has a swollen, painful bite wound with pus. What should I do?

It sounds like Kitu may have a bite wouldn’t abscess. These usually need to be drained and given antibiotics to resolve. In the meantime you may consider applying a warm water and Epsom salt compress to the site. This may help with discomfort and also may encourage drainage. I would still encourage you to have her evaluated by your veterinarian as soon as possible. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat's swollen, limping arm has fur loss and spots. What's wrong?

Almost 100% of the time this is from the bite of another cat. Since this has been going on for weeks you need to get him to he vet. It’s swollen from infection and he will need (at the very least() antibiotics to clear this up. As a side note, if he’s not neutered and goes outdoors he is much more likely to fight (and make babies). You should really consider neutering him. They also get serious viruses like FeLV and FIV from bites of infected cats. ( https://www.petco.com/content/petco/PetcoStore/en_US/pet-services/resource-center/caresheets/cat-spay-neuter.html )

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share