My cat fought a stray. Are his fight wounds bacterial or fungal?

I would recommend for your kitty to see the veterinarian. Infections tend to heal significantly faster and with less complications with antibiotics. You also will need to make sure he does not lick at the wound as this will make it worse. Have him wear an Elizabethan collar at all times and keep him indoors until it is healed. Typical healing is expected to take 10 to 14 days in most circumstances. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Hello. If you have or can purchase a skin antiseptic, one with either 2% chlorhexidine or 1% povidine iodine, then you can gently clean this 2 times daily. Antibiotics would hasten healing, & if the wound is not looking better by early next week, I would consider a veterinary visit. But by keeping this clean, it will heal, & yes, this has the look of a typical cat bite abscess, so he did get into an argument with another cat. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

From the picture I can only say this may be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria or fungal). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics or antifungal meds (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. More investigations like sampling and bacterial swabs would be needed to determine the underlying cause more specifically. In my experience I have seen large wounds like this one from Poxvirus infection (but usually other wounds are present as well). I would suggest to handle this wound always with gloves (you are doing it anyway as I can see from the pic). Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

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!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Boris. It is best to have him seen by a veterinarian. Cat scratches and bites commonly become infected. If so, antibiotics may be required. In the meantime, place an E-collar or cat suit on him to prevent any further self trauma. I hope this information helps!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Lilly! Is the wound right by his penis? If so that is a very hard location to bandage without covering his penis. The skin around the wound is very swollen and red. i am concerned about an abscess or a warble/cuterebra, which is a fly larvae under the skin. I recommend that you take him to the Vet Monday to have the area evaluated and to start antibiotics. Otherwise he needs an E-collar or cone to prevent licking. Good luck!

These sound like wounds from being in a bad fight with another cat. It’s best to have these treated by your veterinarian if you can. In the meantime clean each wound with hydrogen peroxide and then apply a thin film of antibacterial ointment on them. I’m concerned about the ones around his anus. There may be a tear in the rectum that may be very serious and need a veterinary exam to determine if the feces are coming out the wound. If so this could cause more infection and may need to be stitched closed. Antibiotics will help these wounds heal more quickly also. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Moldy.