31/07/2026
Neighbour disputes! 🏠
Butter, a 5-year-old Ragdoll cross, recently got himself into a disagreement with a neighbouring cat, resulting in a cat bite abscess. 😼
A cat bite abscess is a swelling filled with pus that develops after bacteria are introduced beneath the skin through a bite or scratch wound. The infection builds up, leading to the immune system being activated, which in turn sends out its "soldiers" (white blood cells) to try to fight the infection. The white blood cells will die in the process of eliminating the bacteria and combined with liquefied tissue debris, they form the pus we see. Without treatment, the skin over the abscess can become thin and eventually burst, allowing the pus to drain. ❤️🩹
Signs of a cat bite abscess can include:
- Reduced appetite and lethargy (commonly due to fever)
- Swelling
- Redness
- Bite wound or a burst abscess that is draining pus
- Limping (if bitten on the leg)
- Pain - often shown by aggression, licking of the area or growling when approached
When Butter came to see our vet Emma, it was decided that he would return the following day for sedation so that the abscess could be safely treated. Butter was a very good boy during his stay with us, and we were able to lance and flush the abscess, removing the pus and disinfecting the area thoroughly. As a result, he did not require antibiotics. 💊
We're pleased to report that Butter has been doing very well since his procedure. Hopefully he'll stay out of any further neighbourhood disagreements for a while! 🧡🐱
