Help, I'm really worried and could use some advice. I'm currently pet-sitting my friend's cat, Luna, and I just noticed a strange wound on her skin. It looks like a small, red, inflamed patch with a bit of scabbing around the edges. I’ve never seen anything like it before, and I’m freaking out a little. Luna doesn’t seem to be in pain, but she’s been licking the area a lot more than usual, which has me concerned about possible infection. I haven’t been able to get in touch with my friend for guidance, and I’m not sure what the best course of action is. Should I try to clean it myself, or will that just make it worse? I’m feeling really guilty and desperate for advice—any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Hi there! Thanks for reaching out about your friend's cat's skin wound. Cats can develop skin wounds for several reasons. It might be due to a minor scratch or bite injury from another cat, or it could be an allergic reaction to something like a flea bite. Sometimes, cats develop abscesses if bacteria enter through a small wound, causing a painful, swollen area.
For now, you can gently clean the wound with a mild saline solution to help prevent infection. Try to keep the area dry and discourage the cat from licking it by using an Elizabethan collar if available.
Keep an eye out for signs that the wound might need more attention, like swelling, redness, pus, or if the cat seems especially bothered by it. Sometimes these can be signs of infection or a more serious issue.
It's always best to err on the side of caution with any unusual wound, so getting professional advice is important. I'd recommend booking a video consult with a Dial A Vet professional to ensure the cat gets the best care possible. They're equipped to assess the situation and guide you on the best next steps to take.
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