My cat has a hole on her side with a white thing inside. What is it?

HI, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Poor Carmy! I am assuming Carmy is an indoor-outdoor kitten. The hole could be from a fly that deposited an egg and now a large worm is in the hole. It is called a cuterebra. The best thing for her is to go to the Vet so they can check her out and if there is a cuterebra present remove it, flush out the wound and send her home with antibiotics. Good luck

It could have been caused by an injury or Midnight could have been bitten by another animal causing the hole. I would have her seen by a vet now if the hole is deep, as it will need to be cleaned and sutured. She might also need antibiotics in case of infection. I would take her into an ER vet or find a vet on call to see her now.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Chilly. If you can submit a picture that would be helpful. If she has a small open circular open wound, it can be a breathing hole for a fly larva known as a cuterebra. In this case, you can see the larva moving in and out of the breathing hole. If this is the case, she will need to see her veterinarian for removal. If not, she could have a wound from trauma such as a bite if she is around other animals. She will need to see her veterinarian to determine the cause and if treatment is needed. In the meantime, do not allow her to lick the area as this can lead to infection. I hope this information helps!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Based on this picture, it looks like it could be a growth. There is a possibility that this skin defect can be closed but that depends on an examination and if it makes sense clinically. This could be a benign or malignant growth. There is no way of knowing what it is just based on its appearance. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good night!

That looks like a bad bite and needs to be seen by a vet right away. Cats that go outside are more likely to get into fights with other cats, and these wounds can easily become infected. Your vet can clean and drain the wound, and provide antibiotics, pain meds and other treatments as needed.

It sounds like Bella may have a cat bite wound on or near her tail. These wounds tend to get infected and develop an abscess, so you will need to monitor this and as soon as you notice a swelling or pain , you will need to take her to a veterinarian for an exam and antibiotic medication. Since the big hole shows internal structures it would be better to see a veterinarian now.

Hi,if Pusi is not spayed I suspect that this lump could be an ulcerated mammary tumour. These tumours are very aggressive and have such terrible behaviour. If you look at the size of this wound and compare it to the size of your cat, it is a very large open area. As cats tend not to show sign of pain, I am sure she is acting normal as she tries to overcome this injury, however I can only imagine the pain having an ulcerated area of this size open to the air will cause. Please take Pusi to see a vet, it is the kindest thing to do, and she deserves it as she is also starting to be elderly. Hope you can get her checked over soon.