Cat came home with bleeding cut. Can I use antiseptic wipes? Vet closed.

If the laceration is through the skin, then Snowball should be seen tonight if possible. The sooner the wound is treated or sutured, the greater the chance for it to heal normally. Additionally, an open wound is a potential source for infection. If you absolutely cannot have her seen tonight, place an e-collar (cone) on her to prevent licking or scratching and have her seen first thing in the morning. If there is active bleeding or discomfort, have her seen sooner.

My goodness! So sorry to hear that TIgger has had all these issues. I do think it can wait til your vet visit in the morning but if the wound is bleeding I would recommend you try to cover it. Use a non-stick pad over the bleeding area and then LIGHTLY roll some gauze over that pad and then tape it with medical tape. DO NOT USE DUCT TAPE and please, please make sure you don't make the bandage too tight! Do not place neosporin or any other ointments on the wound. One other option is to cover the wound with a non-stick pad and then, if possible, cover the leg with a baby sock and tape the top of the sock to his leg (DO NOT USE A RUBBER BAND)! Be advised that many cats don't like things on them so he may rip the bandage/sock off. If he does that then you may need to take him to the vet sooner. If you have a "cone" for him then I would definitely advise you put that on him until the visit with the vet and, of course, keep him indoors so you can monitor him! I hope this helps. I wish you all the best!

Please trim the fur so you can keep an eye on the wound and so the fur doesn't get stuck in it. Clean the area with hydrogen peroxide. I can't tell from the photo but if there is dirt in it you can flush the area with warm water. I wouldn't put anything topical on it if Truffles is licking the area. Using a restraint collar will stop the licking and then you could apply a thin film of antibacterial ointment on it, not deep into the wound. Keeping the area open and draining for a few days will prevent an abscess, a puss pocket under the skin. If Truffles stops eating or the area is very red and painful then he will need a veterinary exam and antibiotics. These wounds are not usually sutured as that traps in the infection. Cat wounds usually heal quickly when they are clean and open to the air. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Truffles.

Poor Indigo! While it is hard to tell for certain from a photo, this does look like it could be a deep enough cut to use sutures. I would recommend having her examined by a veterinarian as soon as you can, preferably when your vet opens next if they are not open now. In the meantime, if she will allow you to clean it with mild soapy water you can do this, and apply a thick layer of an antibiotic ointment or a lubricant like ky jelly or vaseline to keep the wound moist/from drying out. If you have an e-collar to put on her this can be helpful if she is licking the area. If she seems very painful then you can take her to an emergency vet to have it looked at. Best of luck to you and Indigo.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Stormy! I would shave the fur away from the wound then clean it well with water and a mild soap (avoid hydrogen peroxide). Then apply triple antibiotic ointment twice daily. The most important thing is to have Stormy wear and E-collar to prevent licking and keep him indoors. He should see a Vet as soon as possible to at a minimum get antibiotics but to also see if surgery is required to close the wound. I would call your local SPCA to see if they offer a low cost Veterinary clinic. I hope this helps and I wish Stormy a speedy recovery!

Oh no, poor Naqusha! Unfortunately, by law it is illegal for the experts at PetCoach to prescribe any drug, including OTC drugs, without seeing the animal in person first. That's because doing so requires a veterinary client patient relationship which cannot be achieved via an internet forum. In addition, the experts cannot say for certain if a specific drug is safe for your cat. I would call around to find the closest vet in your country to take him into as he really does need veterinary treatment for it. You can gently clean the area with warm water and antiseptic soap, and I would put a bandage over it to keep it clean and dry. Do not allow Naqsha to go outside if he's allowed outside, and I would put an Ecollar on him to keep him from licking at it. I can give you a link on how to make one at home. I am very concerned that this could get infected, and he likely needs antibiotics to treat it but you need to see a vet to get them. Ask friends and family as well if they know of any vets in the area. I hope he ends up ok! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ffR-LzyW1M

Great question! I would gently clean Tit with warm water and antiseptic soap. To keep him from licking at it, you can put an Ecollar on him. You can get one at a pet store or make one at home. Keep the wound clean and dry, and monitor it for signs of infection. If you see redness, swelling, warmth to the touch, or pus, then it is infected and Boy will need to see the vet for antibiotics to treat it. I hope this helps!