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My cat has a deep leg wound but seems fine. Should I go to the vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 6 years and 11 months old

Hello I recently noticed our cat has a wound on her leg. She seems her usual self purring and meowing, walking and jumping about. She cleans it a lot. It does seem pretty deep. Don't know whether to leave a few days and see how it goes or take her to our local vet. Thanks, Nath

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Emily, DVM

Answered By Emily, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 31st, 2017

Hello

I can't tell from the picture how deep that wound is but it does look infected and there's underlying tissue and possibly muscle exposed. I recommend takinh your cat to see a veterinarian as she could be licking at the site when you're not watching and causing further infection. It may need to be closed or the vet may decide it should stay open (with some infected wounds closing can cause an abscess to form) and put her on antibiotics and pain medication. She might also need an E collar to prevent her from licking the area further.
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Poor Lily! I agree that the wound does look quite deep - all the way through the skin, and I can even see a bit of tissue beneath the muscle layer in the photo. Because of this, I would really recommend taking her to the vet as soon as you can rather than waiting a few days - without antibiotics, it's very likely that she will develop a nasty infection in this wound, which will then be much harder to treat.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 11th, 2019

    That looks like a pretty deep wound. It may need antibiotics or stitches to heal quickly. I recommend to have Kitty seen by her veterinarian today if possible. Also, you need to keep her from licking the wound as this may make it worse. Have her wear an elizabethan collar at all times.
    I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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