My cat has a swollen face near his ear. What can I do at home?

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Facial swelling in cats is usually related to abscesses, either from external wound (scratch, cat fight) or from dental diseases. Please, take Bro to your local vets to confirm the diagnosis and to start treatment for him.

The most likely cause of swelling in that area is an abscess - this could have been from fighting with another cat or TeeTee may have scratched herself and caused the injury. An ear infection may the cause of her scratching if she is indoor only and not in contact with other cats. Either way, she will probably need antibiotics prescribed by your vet. If the abscess bursts before you take her in (try to go tomorrow) you may see discharge and blood. This can be carefully cleaned with just warm salty water and cotton balls.

I would be very suspicious of an abscess. This is not a common area for a hematoma, although it could be possible. There is also a possibility for it being an enlarged lymph node. I would recommend that you have a vet check out this new lump. If it is an abscess, then Portia should have it lanced and drained and get systemic antibiotics to help it heal. If it ruptures on its own, it can cause more damage than if it were lanced. If the polyps haven't been surgically removed (and even if they are removed, they can grow back) then antibiotics won't cure the problem, unfortunately. Polyps are so frustrating, and I am so sorry that Portia has them!

You can apply a warm compress to the swelling. If he will let you, hold it there for 5 minutes. Do this a couple times a day and hopefully if it is an abscess (infection) it will burst open to drain. If it doesn't and the swelling gets larger then he should see a vet.

I'm sorry to hear of your concerns with Bagheera. The most likely causes for an acute swelling such as that shown in the picture include an abscess, trauma or allergic reaction. I would recommend that you have him seen by your veterinarian. They may recommend a fine needle aspirate of the swelling to get a better idea of what's going on. If it is an abscess, surgery may be required to drain the infection.

A sudden swelling under the jaw could be an abscess. Typically these need to be seen by a vet; as they often need to be lanced/drained to get the pus and infection out; then started on antibiotics. Pain medication may be given as well. If he isn't eating, if he's acting lethargic or otherwise not feeling well (vomiting, diarrhea, any change in breathing) seek emergency care. If your vet's office is closed, they likely have a message with who to call or where to seek after hours care in the case of an emergency. If he's still eating and acting ok, you can call and make an appointment at the first possible time. I hope that helps you! Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Temari! She is cute! The only way I could see the Oti pack being the cause of the swelling would be if she was having an allergic reaction to the medications. Other causes of facial swelling are a tooth root abscess, an abscess or mass behind the eye or if she goes outside an abscess from a cat bite. I highly recommend having Temari seen today by your Vet before the weekend. If it is the Oti pack then the Vet may want to rinse it out. I would at least call your Vet to discuss what you are seeing. I do not recommend giving cats any OTC or human medications, they can not metabolize human drugs and tend to react significantly. I hope this helps and I wish Temari a speedy recovery!