Help, what do I do? I found a small lump under my cat Bella's skin while brushing her this morning, and when I looked closer, I realized it’s actually a BB pellet! I’m freaking out a little—she’s an indoor cat, but she sneaks outside sometimes and I'm guessing that's when it happened. She seems fine otherwise, eating and playing like normal, but I can’t stop worrying. Do I need to take her to the vet right away, or is this something that can wait? I’ve never dealt with anything like this, and I’m really unsure if it’ll cause her more harm if I leave it there for too long. Any advice would be really appreciated!
That definitely sounds concerning, and I fully understand why you're worried about your cat. If your cat has a BB gun pellet lodged in its body, it's important to address this situation carefully.
Foreign objects embedded in an animal's body can lead to infections, pain, and other complications. The location and depth of the pellet are critical in determining the seriousness of the situation. If it’s superficial and you can see it just under the skin, it might seem tempting to remove it yourself. However, extracting it at home could introduce bacteria and cause more harm than good if not done properly.
While you’re preparing to see a vet, you can gently clean around the area with warm water and mild soap to minimize infection risk. Keep your cat as comfortable and calm as possible, and prevent them from licking or scratching the area, perhaps by using an Elizabethan collar if you have one.
Watch for signs of infection or distress, such as swelling, redness, pus, or if your cat seems to be in pain or behaving unusually. These warrant immediate veterinary attention.
Ultimately, I'd recommend booking a video consult with Dial A Vet so a professional can evaluate the pellet’s position more thoroughly and guide you on the best next steps. Your cat's health and comfort are our top priorities, and we're here to help!
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