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!
    Already a member? Sign in
    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

Stray cat has a cut with pus, what should I do if no vet nearby?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Wirehair | Male | 1 year and 1 month old

A cat just came into my house...he's a friendly cat nd we wanted to adopt him. Recently we saw he's hurt we thought it wud heal . But it wasn't healing we don't hv a vet nearby please help there's puss coming out of the small cut

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

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!

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Macartney, BVet Med, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I am so incredibly sorry this has happened to your kitten Leo. I would start by placing an e-collar on him straight away so he can't bite or lick the wound. This will cause further tissue trauma and may introduce infection. Cat fight wounds are very likely to form an abcess. Which is an accumulation of Bacteria and dead and dying white blood cells. This forms puss and accumulates when wounds close over infection, under the skin, until it bursts. Which it sounds like it has. Due this high likelihood for an abcess, as well as the fact that the would is currently open and discharging, I would advise taking Leo to the veterinarian as soon as you can. The vet will clean the wound by flushing it with saline. The vet may need to place a surgical drain in order to prevent pus building up and an abcess forming. The vet can also prescribe medications such a as antibiotics, pain relief, and anti-inflammatories to make Leo comfortable and help the healing process. I hope this information was helpful and that Leo heals well.

    Vote icon

    0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What to do if my cat has a small hole with pus coming from its ear?
Is your cat's ear hole oozing pus? A Petco vet explains potential infections like abscesses from bites, advising immediate vet care, antibiotics, and recovery.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
My cat is chunky. What food and steps can I take to help him lose weight?
Is your cat overweight? A certified vet offers guidance to help your tubby tabby lose weight. Get essential diet and food recommendations to slim down your cat!
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Cat sick and still has fleas after vinegar treatment. What now?
Cat still scratching and not eating after vinegar flea treatment? A certified vet reveals why it fails and offers effective solutions for your cat and home.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My kitten had ringworm. Vet says in blood, untreatable, no meds?
Confused about your 6-month-old kitten's ringworm diagnosis, oral meds, or vaccinations? A trusted vet offers a second opinion on your pet's health concerns.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My cat has a weepy wound she keeps licking. Does it need stitches?
Is your cat's weepy wound concerning you? A certified vet offers guidance on home care, when to disinfect, and signs to watch for before seeking professional help.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why does my cat's chin abscess keep coming back after antibiotics?
Is your cat's chin abscess returning after antibiotics? A certified vet discusses why this happens, from resistant infections to foreign objects, and next steps.
Updated on September 23, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

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

Book Now

Sponsored