What It Is
An abscess is a painful, swollen lump filled with pus that forms under the skin when bacteria enter a wound. In cats, abscesses are most commonly caused by bite wounds from other cats, especially during territorial fights. You may not see the bite itself, but the resulting abscess can grow rapidly and become very uncomfortable, or even dangerous, if left untreated.
Abscesses are basically the result of your cat’s immune system trying to wall off an infection. It’s like a pus-filled protest happening under the skin.
🐾 Common Symptoms
- Swelling under the skin (often sudden)
- Redness or warmth at the site
- Pain when touched
- Limping (if located on a leg or paw)
- Hair loss over the swelling
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Oozing pus or blood (if ruptured)
- Foul odor from the wound
Abscesses most often appear around the head, neck, tail base, or limbs. These are basically the “hot zones” of cat fights.
🦠 Causes
The most common cause of abscesses in cats is a bite wound from another cat. Cats have bacteria in their mouths (like Pasteurella multocida), and when they bite, the bacteria are injected deep under the skin. The wound seals over quickly, trapping bacteria inside and creating the perfect environment for infection.
Less commonly, abscesses may result from:
- Puncture wounds (from thorns, sticks, or claws)
- Poorly healing surgical incisions
- Foreign material under the skin (like splinters)
🔍 Diagnosis
A veterinarian will usually diagnose an abscess through:
- Physical exam (the swelling is often obvious)
- Temperature check (to assess for fever)
- Needle aspiration or lancing (to confirm pus)
- In some cases, sedation or X-rays may be needed if the abscess is deep or near sensitive structures
💊 Treatment
Treatment depends on whether the abscess has ruptured or is still intact.
If it has NOT ruptured:
- The vet will usually lance (cut open) and drain it
- The area will be flushed and cleaned
- Antibiotics will be prescribed
- Pain medication may also be needed
- Sometimes a drain (a small rubber tube) is temporarily placed to help fluid escape
If it has already ruptured:
- The wound still needs to be cleaned
- Antibiotics are still necessary
- The area must be kept clean and monitored at home
At-home care usually includes:
- Cleaning the site with a vet-approved antiseptic
- Giving all prescribed medications
- Keeping your cat indoors during healing
🩺 Prognosis
Most cats recover well from abscesses with prompt treatment. However, untreated abscesses can lead to:
- Worsening infection
- Tissue necrosis (death of skin/tissue)
- Spread of bacteria through the bloodstream (sepsis)
- Formation of a permanent draining tract (chronic infection)
💡 Cat Owner Note
If you find a weird lump, don’t squeeze it like a pimple. It’s not the time for DIY dermatology. A warm, painful bump could be an abscess, and your vet can safely handle it. The sooner you treat it, the faster your cat will be back to ruling the house.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Abscesses in Cats
Can I treat a cat abscess at home?
No. You should never attempt to drain an abscess at home. Improper drainage can worsen the infection or spread bacteria. Always consult a vet.
Do abscesses go away on their own?
They can rupture and drain on their own, but they don’t heal properly without antibiotics. Cats often feel much worse before they feel better without treatment.
What does an abscess look like?
Early on, it may just look like a firm lump under the skin. Once it swells or ruptures, it may leak yellow or bloody pus and have a foul smell.
How long does it take for a cat abscess to heal?
With proper treatment, most abscesses heal in 7–14 days, though deep wounds or infected areas may take longer.
Are abscesses contagious?
The abscess itself isn’t contagious, but the behavior that causes them, like fighting, is. Cats that fight or roam outdoors are at higher risk.
Should my cat stay indoors while healing?
Yes, absolutely. Outdoor exposure increases the risk of re-injury, contamination, or new wounds during recovery.
Can abscesses cause fever in cats?
Yes. Many cats with abscesses develop a low-grade fever as their body fights the infection.