My outdoor cat has a tail wound. Does it need vet care or surgery?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 20 lbs
I don't know how this happened to our male cat's tail, but this is how it looks now. He's an outdoor cat. Any ideas? Is this surgery worthy or self healing?
5 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on March 4th, 2019
This looks like is may be a bite wound abscess that ruptured. Ideally, it should be addressed by your veterinarian. Surgery may be indicated to clean and flush the wound. Antibiotics and pain medication may also be indicated. Place an e-collar (cone) on him to prevent licking until he sees the doctor. You may need to confine him indoors until he is healed.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on January 21st, 2020
The wounds do appear to be healing. If they are cat bites though, it is possible abscesses could be forming under the skin. Ideally, he should be seen by your veterinarian for antibiotics and pain medications if indicated. If this is not possible, place an e-collar (cone) on him and continue topical treatment. Monitor for lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, swelling or discharge.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on May 14th, 2018
This does look like and old cat bite abscess. I cannot really see whether the area is swollen. If so then it may be a good idea to take him to a vet to have it lanced. If it is not swollen, and just crusted over, then I think you can just leave it alone and observe it. If it appears to be a growth (cannot really see it) and expanding in size, it should be examined by a vet. Overall, I think you can just monitor it and should it start to bother the cat or turn red/swell/expand in size, take him to a vet.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on November 12th, 2017
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This looks like a small wound. It could be something like a penetrating wound such as a bite or even the drainage point of an abscess. I recommend that you have him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. If it looks infected, they may start him on antibiotics. Good luck and have a good day!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on May 1st, 2019
It could be. It looks like a pretty nasty and deep wound. I would recommend that you have Coop examined by a vet to determine if it needs to be closed surgically and to start antibiotics and pain medications.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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