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My cat came home injured and sick, what should I do until the vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 9 months old | 9 lbs

My cat has a small, looks to be, cut on his testicles. He ran away for a week and came back yesterday with this injury. What can I do to help him until I take him to the vet? He was also vomiting and having the runs, but it may be because he ate a lot of when when he returned.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on July 4th, 2017

The wound doesn't look infected or Bloody more like a scrape that has removed hair. I would simply keep him warm and comfortable until you get to the vets. Try and feed little and often as they can over indulge when they gave been away a while.

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on April 19th, 2020
These are kind of big, and could have been caused by a bite. First, consider seeking immediate veterinary care since wounds can often be deeper than they appear and can get easily infected.
1. Clip the hair away from the wound using buzzing-type clippers, not scissors or a razor. This is so you can monitor the wound and keep the hair out of the way to help with healing.
2. Disinfect the wound once with peroxide or a first aid chlorhexidine wound soap. Do not continue to use peroxide, or alcohol, as this will delay healing.
3. Apply an antibacterial ointment, such as Neosporin, twice daily. If needed to clean the wound, use a warm wet wash cloth to gently wipe away any dried fluid.
4. Prevent all licking or scratching of the wound by using an e-collar or socks.
5. See a vet if your pet experiences prolonged lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or a rectal temperature over 103, or if there is creamy discharge or discharge with a foul odor, or there is swelling around the wound.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on February 5th, 2018
The wound looks badly infected, the fur around the wound needs to be clipped and the wound needs to be cleaned, he will need to receive an antibiotic injection, you will need to take him to the vet in order to get proper treatment.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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It's impossible to know what happened to Melcho on his journey. What you are doing currently is the best you can do until a vet is open. Continue to syringe feed small frequent amounts of a/d and water. If available near you an oral electrolyte solution for kids with diarrhea such as pedialyte maybbe helpful to give him orally. Look for an unflavored version. Or water off of tuna fish cans or low sodium chicken broth can be used if he will lap it. Give him a warm area such as a heating pad on low if he wants it but don't force him to stay on a heating pad. Make sure he can move off of it if he desires. Small frequent feedings are key. Do not do a lot of food or liguid at once. Good luck to Melcho. I hope he feels better soon. But I would recommend a veterinary visit asap to evaluate him for injury even if he starts eating on his own.

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