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Home Remedies for Cats With Scrapes and Scratches
Abrasions (scrapes and scratches) are damage to the outer layers of skin. The most common cause of scrapes and scratches in cats is other cats. Usually, cats keep their claws retracted during play, and their thick hair protects them from accidental nicks. Vigorous play, a miscalculation, or an unplayful smack can cause an abrasion, usually most noticeable around the ears and face where the hair is more sparse. Unaltered cats and cats who go outdoors are more likely to get into out-and-out fights and suffer bite and scratch wounds.
 ©2006 Publications International, Ltd. Most cat scratches come from fighting or playing with other cats. |
Keep it clean. For fresh scratches simple soap-and-water cleanup, using a washcloth or cotton ball, is usually enough first aid. Don't try to prevent your cat from licking a scratch -- that's Mother Nature's way of taking care of it, and she knows what she's doing. But do keep an eye on your cat. Occasionally, a cat may overdo it and require some type of restraint to prevent mutilation of the wound.
Look for more. Ruffle through your cat's fur and check for additional scratches. A veterinarian from an animal shelter remarks, "Any time we had to shave a stray cat with visible scratches for surgery, we found more scratches or scars all over her body."
Plumb the depths. How deep is the wound? Anything that bleeds noticeably needs more attention than a simple scratch. First, stop the bleeding with direct pressure, using a cotton ball or gauze. (You may need help restraining the cat.) Trim the hair from around the edge of the wound, and wash thoroughly with soap and water. Bandaging usually isn't necessary, and most scratches, scrapes, and minor wounds heal better and faster in the open air. Just be sure to keep the wound area clean.
When to Call the Vet
Any serious wound or wound that won't stop bleeding needs immediate veterinary attention. If direct pressure doesn't stop bleeding in a couple minutes -- or if the wound is spurting blood -- your cat is in grave danger. Take your cat directly to the vet, and continue to apply pressure and bandages until you can get her there.
Bite wounds should be treated by a vet, too, since they can become infected easily. Sometimes bites or other wounds will close up with some dirt or germs inside, causing an abscess -- a painful, swollen pocket of infection. If the site of a wound swells, leaks pus, or is sensitive to the touch, or if your cat suddenly begins to run a fever, call your vet right away.
DANGER LEVEL: Most minor scrapes and scratches are not dangerous; deep wounds require veterinary attention.
Next we will deal with a problem that affects all outdoor pets -- ticks. We will offer you some tips for finding and removing these potential disease carriers.
