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My cat has a burst abscess. Can I wait to take her to the vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 3 lbs

How should I go about treating a small abscess on the skin? I recently came home from school and noticed a cat we'd taken in to rehabilitate has developed what appears to be a burst abscess. I can not take her to the vet for now as I am only home this week but I will be able to make her an appointment to see a nearby clinic after this week.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on March 6th, 2017

Unfortunately, an abscess cannot be treated at home, Shivers has to see a vet for it. If it's ruptured, it needs to be flushed sterilely to prevent further infection from entering the area, and she needs antibiotics to treat the infection which are available by prescription only from the vet. She does have to see a vet as soon as possible for this, and it truly cannot wait until next week. I would see if a family member can take her to the vet this week since you are only home this week from school.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 29th, 2017

    Yes, you are absolutely correct that Bobo needs to see a vet if he has an abscess. An abscess is a pocket of infection that is actually very painful to a cat, and it needs to be drained and flushed sterilely, and he will need antibiotics to treat the infection. Please bring him into a vet today for it.

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 20th, 2019

    An abscess cannot be treated with a home treatment, he will need antibiotics and this can only be prescribed by a vet. in some cases the abscess needs to be lanced and empty from all the puss as well.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 16th, 2017

    Unfortunately no, this cannot be treated at home. Wolfie needs to be seen by a vet to have the abscess drained and flushed, and antibiotics will need to be prescribed to treat the infection. He should see a vet today to have this treated ASAP.

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