My 16-year-old cat has an oozing, smelly back sore. What to do?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 16 years old | 13 lbs
My 16 year old cat has an open, oozing sore on his back the size of a nickel. It looks like raw meat and smells. It looks like it's oozing pus and white liquid.
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on May 13th, 2017
It's either an opened abscess or a tumor, either way it needs to be looked at by a vet as soon as possible, if it's an abscess it will need to be treated with antibiotics, if it is a tumor it will need to be removed surgically.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on May 11th, 2019
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. This is an anal gland abscess which has ruptured. I recommend taking him to the vet tomorrow where they will likely want to clean and flush the area and give him some antibiotics. It looks really scary I know, but most of that is not actually blood (it's anal gland material) and these actually tend to heal beautifully and quickly in cats. For tonight, you can apply some hydrogen peroxide or a little damp cloth to help with the oozing and the smell. Best wishes to you and Kitty!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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