Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo
  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My cat's mouth is swollen and leaking pus. What can I do until vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Siamese | Female | unspayed | 5 lbs

Siamese female about 9 months old. Stinky pus leaking from right side of her mouth. Some swelling. Still moving and eating and doing cat stuff. Occasional shivers. She's guarding the area ferociously, can't inspect. We're in the Philippines and there are no vets available right now. I suspect an abscessed tooth (paramedic) but I can't confirm this. We can't take her to the vet until tomorrow, they are all shut down. Thoughts? What can we do to either treat this or stall for time?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 21st, 2018

Poor girl. It sounds like Princess has an abscess (infected pocket) which can be caused from an underlying tooth root abscess due to periodontal disease, so I do agree with you here. The only treatment for this is to lance and drain the area, start antibiotics and then get the infected tooth removed surgically. You can place a cold compress on the area tonight for 5-10 minutes to help with some of the soreness. You can follow that with a warm compress for 5-10 minutes and repeat this in 12 hrs. She should be ok until the morning when you can get her to the vet for further treatment. Best wishes with Princess and I hope she gets better soon. Take care.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share

Styled arrow button