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My cat's head wound reopened, oozing pink fluid. Is salt okay?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | British Shorthair | Male | neutered | 5 years and 10 months old

My cat had a scratch on his head that had healed yesterday, but this morning he has cut it again in the same place (I think he may have hooked a scab off with his paw) and it is discharging very pale pink fluid. Is giving the wound a mild salt bath sufficient?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 18th, 2017

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach! I typically recommend mixing Betadine and water until you get a light brown mixture and use that to clean wounds. If it is a superficial scrape then it will likely heal but if there is a flap of skin or the wound looks to be deep, it will need veterinary care most likely. For superficial cuts and scrapes I recommend zymox topical ointment or vetericyn spray gel. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you ha e any other questions or concerns.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I would not put any salt on an open wound. That would surely burn/sting. It sounds like the wound is infected and that is why it is discharging. You should get him to your vet for an examination as he may need some systemic antibiotics to get that to clear up. In the meantime while you are waiting to get him to your vet, you can use a DILUTE solution of betadine or chlorhexidine to clean the wound. Be sure not to get these in his eyes. You should be able to find either of those at any local pharmacy. After cleaning you should dry the area and then apply a topical antibiotic cream. Again, you should be able to get this at your pharmacy. You should also consider putting a E-collar on him to keep him from continuing to scratch his head. https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=elizabethan+collar+cat Please get him to your vet for an exam to make sure it is healing properly and there is nothing else more serious going on. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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