Cat Bite Abscesses: Causes, Signs and Treatment

Any cat who goes outside or spends time around other cats is at risk for a cat bite abscess. They are a common feature in veterinary practice. Thankfully, with prompt care, most resolve quickly and cats go on to make a full recovery.

After a bite, the abscess can take a few days to brew, and this may be accompanied by signs including lethargy and a fever. Untreated abscesses can cause a great deal of pain and there is a risk of the infection spreading, so bring your cat into the veterinary clinic at the first suspicion of a bite.

Read on to learn all about cat bite abscesses.

What is a Cat Bite Abscess?

An abscess is a pocket of infection that occurs directly where the animal was bitten.

Bacteria Introduced Through Bite Wounds

Cats’ mouths are teeming with bacteria and if they puncture the skin of another cat with their teeth, this bacteria is basically ‘injected’ under their skin. Here, it multiplies, and forms an abscess, or swelling filled with pus.

How Cat Teeth Create Deep Puncture Wounds

Typically the canine teeth (fangs) are the teeth that penetrate the skin, leaving two small puncture marks spaced apart by about an inch. It is easy for a tooth this long to go well beneath the skin.

Why Outdoor Cats Are Most at Risk

Cats who go outside are more likely to encounter other cats and to fight over territory. This is especially true if the cat has not been neutered.

What Are the Signs of a Cat Bite Abscess?

Initially, signs can be hard to spot. As the abscess progresses, they become a lot more obvious.

Swelling, Heat or a Visible Lump Under the Skin

Where the cat was bitten, they will develop a moderately firm lump. This tends to be about the size of a golf ball and may feel warm to the touch. This will be tender for the cat when pressed.

Pus, Discharge or an Open Wound

After a few days, the abscess may enlarge and burst. This can lead to the fur around it becoming moist and matted. Sometimes, there will be visible holes in the skin. Any leaking discharge tends to smell foul.

Pain, Fever and Changes in Behaviour

The infection sometimes makes the cat feel unwell. It can lead to symptoms such as a fever, lethargy and a reduced appetite.

Where Do Cat Bite Abscesses Commonly Form?

A cat can get bitten anywhere, but certain locations are involved more frequently than others.

The Head, Neck and Face

Cats tend to fight head on, and this means that their face and neck are common targets. The cheeks, forehead and neck are commonly implicated.

When the bite is near the eye, the veterinarian should ensure there has not been any damage to the cornea. This may include staining the eye with Fluorescein dye for any ulcers or scratches.

The Tail Base and Rump

When a cat turns to run away from another cat, they present their back end. If the other cat then lunges and bites them, they will be bitten on their rump or tail.

Affected cats may walk in a hunched posture and with their tail held low.

The Legs and Paws

As a cat fights, they use their paws to swat and scratch. Sometimes, the other cat will take this as an opportunity to bite alegor paw. A bite in this location can lead to a limp and reduced mobility.

Is a Cat Bite Abscess an Emergency?

For most, a cat bite is unpleasant but not immediately life-threatening and not an emergency.

Signs of a Spreading Infection or Fever

If your pet is very poorly, this could indicate an infection that they are struggling to cope with, or even sepsis. See your vet as an emergency if your cat has any red flag symptoms such as:

• Laboured or rapid breathing

• Pale or dry gums

• Extreme lethargy or weakness

• A very high fever

• Trouble getting about

Abscesses Near the Throat, Abdomen or Chest

The location of the abscess matters. A bite has the potential to pierce the windpipe or the abdominal wall. This is more common with a bite from foxes or dogs, but can potentially occur with a cat bite too.

Any unusual swelling or a ‘crackling’ sound under the skin would prompt immediate investigation.

Risk of Serious Diseases Transmitted Through Cat Bites

There are certain infections that are spread by cat bites. These include Feline AIDS virus (FIV) and Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV). While we do vaccinate against FeLV in the UK, most cats would not be protected against FIV.

What Should You Do if Your Cat Has an Abscess?

A cat bite is painful and always an injury that warrants a vet check.

Do Not Try to Drain the Abscess at Home

It is important not to try and lance or treat an abscess at home, as there is a risk of incomplete drainage and because prescribed medication is needed in these cases.

Keeping Your Cat Calm and Comfortable

It is best to keep your cat indoors, so you can limit movement, encourage rest, and monitor them closely for any new symptoms.

When to Contact an Emergency Vet

Thankfully, most cats can be seen during a routine consultation. However, seek emergency vet care if you’re concerned your cat has experienced serious trauma (such as a fox attack) or if they are in pain that they are not coping with.

How Do Vets Diagnose Cat Bite Abscesses?

Your vet will want to gather as much information as possible. As well as asking about recent symptoms, they will then perform a health check from nose to tail.

Physical Examination of the Wound

Your pet’s wound will be examined, which may include clipping some fur for better visibility. Your vet will check all over for any further lesions or injuries.

Assessing for Signs of Infection and Fever

A full physical exam will be conducted, ensuring your cat is well hydrated and to see if they have a fever.

Further Tests for Underlying Illness

For some cats, it may be advised that a blood test is run to check for any infectious diseases that they may have caught, such as FIV or FeLV. This would be more common in un-castrated males who are getting into a lot of fights and mating.

How Are Cat Bite Abscesses Treated?

Treatment is generally straightforward and you should find the abscess heals within a week or so.

Draining and Cleaning the Wound

The abscess may need to be lanced if it does not burst itself, and the vet would then flush the pus out using a medicated wash or saline.

Antibiotics and Pain Relief

All cats will be started on antibiotics and most will be issued pain relief and anti-inflammatories.

These tend to be given for a course of about 5 days or so, depending on the extent of the abscess. Be sure to complete the antibiotic course.

Wound Care and Elizabethan Collars at Home

From home, your vet will likely ask that you clean the cat bite a couple of times a day using salty water or a medicated wash such as diluted Hibiscrub.

An Elizabethan collar helps to prevent further trauma to the area, from the cat themselves. While wearing one, pets must stay indoors.

Surgery for Deep or Severe Abscesses

Uncommonly, surgery would be needed to open the abscess, drain the pus and thoroughly clean the area. We usually would not suture the area closed, as this traps infection inside. However, sutures may be required if there is a large skin defect, and a drain can then be placed to allow for any residual pus to drain.

Can Cats Recover From a Bite Abscess?

The prognosis for a cat bite abscess should be excellent.

Typical Recovery Time and What to Expect

For most cats, after the abscess is lanced or ruptures, scabs will form and they will be on the road to recovery within just a few days.

Monitoring for Complications

Owners should continue to monitor for any swelling in that area, or for signs of infection spread (such as a limp, fever, or food refusal).

How Can You Prevent Cat Bite Abscesses?

While we cannot always prevent every cat bite abscess, certain measures may prove useful.

Neutering to Reduce Fighting Behaviour

Neutering makes it much less likely that a cat will fight or act territorial. If your cat goes outdoors, neutering is also important to ensure they are not mating.

Keeping Cats Indoors or Supervised Outdoors

You may choose to stop or limit outdoor access, particularly if your cat is a repeat offender with abscesses. When coming to this decision, it's important to consider how much your cat enjoys and benefits from spending time outdoors.

Get Emergency Vet Care for Your Cat

If you are concerned your cat has been in a fight or has an abscess, contact us to arrange for vet care at any time.

Cat Bite Abscess FAQs

Can a cat bite abscess heal without treatment?

Some small abscesses may heal by themselves, but a vet visit is always advised, to assess the lesion and provide the necessary medicine.

How long does a cat bite abscess take to heal?

Most abscesses will heal within a week or so, as long as there are no complications.

Should I keep my cat indoors after an abscess?

It is a good idea to keep your pet inside as they heal, and this is crucial if they are wearing an E-collar.