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Cat's cheek skin fell off from infection. How to treat the open wound?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | 4 lbs

Our cat got some kind of infection in his cheek took him to vets office when we noticed the swelling- swelling broke open and they treated him however they told me that the skin on his cheek and jaw would fall off which it is - what is the treaent after it falls off- it is showing flesh - cat seems normal not sure what to do for him he has appointment on Saturday

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Lauren Barry, BVSc, MRCVS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 19th, 2017

Poor Brother, that's a nasty looking abscess. The best thing you can do until his appointment is to fit an e collar or cone on him so he doesnt scratch the wound. If he'll let you, you can use a dilute wound cleanser from the drug store like diluted povidone or chlorhexidine to clean any discharge. Hopefully he's already protected with antibiotics.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Debi Matlack
Veterinary Technician
Published on December 13th, 2020
It looks like a healing abscess that has already burst and drained. If you can handle him enough to gently clean it with a damp warm washcloth, do that a couple of times a day if you can. You can apply a little triple antibiotic ointment but I wouldn't try to give him oral antibiotics. You may not be treating for the particular infection he has and that can create more antibiotic-resistant organisms. Ideally he should be seen by a vet for wound care and possibly antibiotics but if he is a stray I don't know how much you are willing to do and how much he will allow you to do.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on November 5th, 2019
Looks like it maybe was an abscess and the tissue over the top died and now the raw tissue is evident. I would clean the area with a betadine / water solution (mix both until a light brown color) and cleanse the area twice daily to help prevent infection. If there is no improvement, then I would have this looked at by a veterinarian for further treatment / diagnostic recommendations.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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