My cat has a swollen leg with a draining wound. What should I do?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female
My cat has a rotting hole in its leg. It was swelled the other day and then drainage started coming out. Now it's just disgusting draining, piece of meat looking stuff on its leg. What is it .
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on September 25th, 2019
This is most likely an infection, a parasite under the skin or a cancer. These conditions all need medical care. I recommend to have your kitty examined by the veterinarian for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. She will need antibiotics, the area cleaned, possibly pain medication, possibly antiparasitics and an elizabethan collar. The vet may also recommend additional treatment. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.
7Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on March 20th, 2017
Hello! The main issue is that the area is likely getting infected, and she ideally needs to be started on some medications, so getting her to a vet as soon as possible is in her best interest. In the meantime, just keep the area as clean as you can, with warm water.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on June 10th, 2018
I think you're definitely on the right track with planning a vet visit. If have her seen to make sure the wound doesn't need surgical attention and medications to encourage healing. Wounds can often have a lot of depth around them called "dead space". As the wounds try to heal that area can fill up with inflammatory fluid and eventually turn to pus, causing infection. In the mean time, you can always find a baby onesie or even a tiny dog T shirt for her to wear if it will cover the wound until you have her seen. It may help keep her from licking the area excessively, which can cause additional trauma, inflammation, and infection. Or you can order a soft cone on amazon or pick one up at your local pet store to prevent the self trauma. Good Luck!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on June 14th, 2018
It looks like the wound is infected so she should be examined by a vet for treatment. She will need an antibiotic to help treat the infection. You could also soak her paw in a warm Epsom salt solution to help with swelling and infection. I am not sure what type of animal she got in a fight with but she might also need her Rabies vaccine boostered.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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