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My cat has a wound with pus after a fight. Can I treat it at home?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Russian Blue | Male | neutered | 3 years old | 15 lbs

My cat came home with a patch of hair missing and a red patch from probably skin being removed. I believe he got in a fight with a cat. I dont believe it's an abscess because there was no raise on his skin but the wound did leak a lot of pus. I cleaned it all up and now it's not leaking at all. I put a shirt on him so he doesnt touch it. It doesnt seem to hurt him when I touch it at all. He is eating fine and his ears arent hot. Is he okay to treat at home? Please help, I'm short on money.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on November 21st, 2018

That could be ok but it is best to repost your question and attach a picture of it to have a complete and reliable advice from us.
As you suspected, this presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria).
Disinfection can be done at home with diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths (twice daily as long as needed). Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking/scratching. all the pus must be removed and the wound must be flushed.
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. Please find the time to give us a feedback about the consultation as that will be used to improve our service.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jessica Desrosiers
Veterinary Technician
Published on March 12th, 2019
Cat bites and scratches are easily infected due to the bacteria in a cat's saliva and under their nails, and this sounds like Oryn's wound may be infected. Unfortunately, this needs to be seen by a veterinarian in person so it can be thoroughly cleaned, any drains added as needed, and a course of pain medications and antibiotics given to clear the infection.

Keeping the wound clean and using an Elizabethan (cone) collar to stop Oryn from licking it can help, however this absolutely needs to be seen by a vet.

If you're having trouble affording care, this site can help give you some ideas to make it more affordable so Oryn can get the help he needs: https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/having-trouble-affording-veterinary-care
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on April 12th, 2017
Unfortunately most of the times antibiotics are needed to avoid severe infection. If you cannot afford a veterinarian disinfection can eventually be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid scratching.

Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation (where you can post pictures) if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH
Veterinarian
Published on September 29th, 2017
Hi and thanks for your post this morning.

If the cat has puss coming from a cut or wound, it is very infected and should really see a veterinarian for treatment. He will likely need to be placed on antibiotics. Until you are able to see a veterinarian, you can place a warm towel around the area to encourage drainage, clean with mild soap and water. Keep the area clean and dry. A triple antibiotic can be used if needed, but treatment with a veterinarian would be preferred.

I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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