Is it safe to treat this wound at home?
Home care is only suitable for small, shallow wounds in a cat who is otherwise acting normally. Many cat wounds look minor but are not. Cat bites and scratches in particular can seal over on the surface and trap bacteria underneath, leading to an abscess. If you are unsure, call your vet. This article is general information and does not replace veterinary advice.
Wounds that need a vet
Skip home care and contact your vet or an emergency clinic if:
- The wound is deep, gaping, longer than a small scratch, or you can see fat, muscle or bone
- It is a bite wound, including from another cat, a dog or wildlife
- Bleeding is heavy or does not slow after several minutes of firm pressure
- There is a puncture wound, especially on the chest, belly or near a joint
- A foreign object is stuck in the wound
- It is on the eye, mouth, genitals, or over a joint
- The wound is a burn, or was caused by a chemical
- Your cat is lethargic, not eating, feverish, in significant pain or breathing abnormally
- The wound is swollen, hot, smells bad or has pus (see below)
Wounds that are more than a few hours old may also be best checked, as some benefit from early veterinary treatment.
What you will need
- Disposable gloves
- Sterile saline solution, or clean lukewarm water
- Clean gauze pads or soft clean cloths
- A needle-free syringe, if you have one, to flush gently
- Blunt-tipped scissors or clippers to trim fur if needed
- A towel for gentle wrapping
- An Elizabethan collar (cone), ideally on hand already
How to clean a minor cat wound, step by step
- Stay safe. A hurting cat can scratch or bite, even a gentle one. Ask someone to help and wrap your cat in a towel if needed. Stop if your cat becomes very distressed or aggressive and call the vet.
- Control bleeding. Hold a clean gauze pad or cloth over the wound with gentle, firm pressure for several minutes. If bleeding does not stop, go to the vet.
- Move fur out of the way. If fur covers the wound, trim it carefully with blunt scissors or clippers so hair does not get in. Take care not to cut the skin. Some people use a small amount of water-based lubricating jelly on the wound while trimming so cut hair sticks to it, but ask your vet if you are unsure.
- Flush gently. Rinse with sterile saline or clean lukewarm water, using a syringe without a needle or a gentle stream, to wash away dirt and debris.
- Dab, do not scrub. Pat the area around the wound dry with clean gauze. Avoid rubbing, which can damage tissue.
- Protect the area. Put an e-collar on your cat so she cannot lick or chew the wound.
- Wash your hands and dispose of used materials.
What not to use
Vets generally advise against putting these on a cat’s wound unless a vet specifically tells you to:
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Rubbing alcohol
- Iodine or other antiseptics, unless diluted and recommended by your vet
- Tea tree oil and other essential oils, which can be toxic to cats
- Human creams, powders or ointments
Many of these can damage healthy tissue and slow healing, and cats lick whatever is on their skin and can swallow it.
Neosporin and other ointments
A common question is whether it is okay to put Neosporin on a cat’s open wound. The safest approach is to ask your vet first. Cats tend to lick ointments off and swallow them, and some products contain ingredients that are not appropriate for cats. Some products for pain relief or with certain added ingredients can be dangerous. If a wound needs an ointment, your vet can recommend a product that is suitable and tell you how to keep it from being licked off.
Stop your cat licking the wound
Some licking is natural, but constant licking can introduce bacteria and reopen healing skin. An e-collar is the usual solution. A well-fitted soft cone or a recovery suit may also be an option, and your vet can advise. Check that your cat can still eat, drink and use the litter box with it on.
Watching for infection
Check the wound at least once or twice a day. Call your vet if you see:
- Increasing redness, swelling or warmth
- Pus or a bad smell
- Wound edges that open or do not start to close over a few days
- A hard or soft lump that appears near the wound, which may be an abscess
- Fever, tiredness, hiding or reduced appetite
- Your cat limping or guarding the area, especially if the wound is on a leg (see limping cat causes)
Other signs that your cat is hurting are listed in our guide to the signs a cat is in pain. If the wound is on a foot, see common cat paw problems.
If the vet is closed
If the wound looks minor, flush it, keep it clean, prevent licking and see your vet when they open. If the wound is serious or your cat seems unwell, contact an emergency vet clinic instead of waiting. Phoning ahead lets the clinic advise you on first aid and prepare for your arrival.
Common questions
What can I clean my cat’s wound with at home?
Sterile saline or clean lukewarm water are the usual recommendations for minor wounds.
Can I treat my cat’s wound without going to the vet?
Very small, clean, shallow scratches may be managed at home with cleaning and monitoring. Bites, punctures, deep or dirty wounds and any wound with signs of infection need a vet.
Do cat wounds heal on their own?
Minor wounds often heal with basic care, but wounds that are hidden under fur, bites and deeper cuts can become infected, so monitor closely.
Should I cover a cat wound with a bandage?
Not unless your vet recommends it. Bandages applied incorrectly can cut off circulation or trap moisture. Use an e-collar to protect the area instead, and ask your vet how to bandage if needed.