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My cat has a burst wound from a bite. How do I clean it until the vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Manx | Female | unspayed | 6 months and 29 days old | 4 lbs

My 6 month old Manx female has an open wound on her side. It’ just popped early this morning and it’s round with yellow skin inside.. I believe it was originally a tooth puncture from my other cat. My vet opens at 8 am tomorrow so I just want to make sure I can keep it clean till then. I bought a collar so she can’t lick herself , she’s eating, drinking, she has a congenial heart defect which gives her episodes of breathing heavy, she can’t be put to sleep. Do I clean it and with what?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on October 22nd, 2017

Poor Boobie! I think you are quite right that it has been caused by a bite from the other cat. This wound looks typical of a cat bite abscess that has burst out. She will actually feel much better now it has burst as the pressure will have reduced. You can try cleaning it with chlorhexidine in water or iodine if you have them. If not salty water would do the job. You may find she really resents you touching it, if so just leave it until you go to the vet tomorrow as she will be better when she gets some pain relief. The collar is a great idea. Tomorrow at the vet they will clean and clip the wound, then likely give her an antibiotic injection and antinflammatory medication. You will also need to clean the wound regularly to stop it closing over before all the infection is resolved.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Oh my, poor Bobbie! If she was bitten by your other cat, it's likely an abscess. This is a pocket of infection, and it looks ugly from the pictures you provided. I do not recommend having her wait until tomorrow; instead, I would find a vet to see her now. This will need to be flushed out, the wound will probably need to be sutured, and she will need antibiotics to treat the infection. The wound will also be painful to her. This is not something that should be wait to be seen. I would check to see if there is an ER clinic in your area; if not, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to find this vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website. Keep the collar on her, and keep the area clean and dry until you can find a vet to see her today. You may want to put a bandage on it to keep dirt and debris from getting in it. Good luck, and I hope this helps!

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