My feral cat has a burst abscess. Can I use Benadryl to sedate her?

Question

A feral vet I feed has an abscess on her back foot. I saw it burst and there's pus. She won't let me clean it for her. I'm wondering if I can give her benedryl to sedate her and flush out the abscess. If I can, how much can I give per lb, and would it be better if it's by pill or liquid? Thanks so much. Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 7 months old

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS · Accepted Answer

No, it isn't safe for you to give her Benadryl to sedate her. For one, it is never safe to self treat an animal; in addition, benadryl will not give the sedation needed to flush out an abscess. An abscess is very painful, and Clussy will need stronger sedatives in order to do this. Finally, flushing an abscess has to be done in a sterile manner to avoid introducing additional bacteria in the wound. I would trap her and take her into a vet for the abscess to flushed out sterilely. The vet can safely sedate her in order to do this, flush out the abscess sterilely, and give her antibiotics to treat the infection. I would take her into the vet as soon as possible.

My feral cat has a burst abscess. Can I use Benadryl to sedate her?

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