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What to do for a stray cat with a quarter-sized hole in its throat?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male

I have a stray cat who is sweet and tame and he looks like he was in a fight with something. He suddenly has a hole size of a quarter in his throat. It's not bleeding and he is eating and acting fine. Is there anything I can do to help seal it or something til I can get him to the vet in the morning ?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Stephanie Echols, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 10th, 2017

Hello! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Without seeing Zeus it's hard to say what's going on. I suspect the wound is from a cat fight and is probably a ruptured abscess. I recommend washing the area with a mild soap and rinsing well with water. I wouldn't recommend wrapping it because it will trap the bacteria. You can use neosporine around it but it is likely Zeus will lick it off. Most importantly, it will be ok to wait until morning as long as you clean it tonight. Good luck and congrats on your new cat!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Zeus! It is great that he is eating and drinking. If the wound isn't bleeding then I would use an E-collar (if you have one so he can't scratch or lick it) and keep him indoors for the night. Call the Vet first thing in the morning to take him in. Do not feed him in the morning in case he needs to be sedated to close the wound. There really isn't anything at home that I recommend. If it is full thickness it likely needs stitches. Don't give him an human pain medications, most care toxic to cats. If he is a good cat you could gently cleaning it with some mild soap and water but if he won't tolerate that then just leave him be until the morning. Hope this helps and good luck!

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