Cat bite abscesses: causes, symptoms and treatment in Dubai

What is a cat bite abscess?

A cat bite abscess is a pocket of pus under the skin. Abscesses develop when bacteria enter scratch or puncture wounds.

• Cats’ mouths and claws contain huge numbers of bacteria
• When they fight, the bacteria can be driven deep under the skin
• The wound seals over quickly, trapping bacteria and allowing them to grow
• Pus and blood accumulate, causing swelling that may rupture and release foul-smelling discharge
• With the right treatment, abscesses usually heal within 1–2 weeks

Other causes of abscesses in cats:

• Foreign bodies, such as thorns or grass seeds
• Tooth root abscesses
• Anal gland abscesses
• A complication of tumours, when affected tissues become infected

Always consult a vet if you suspect your cat has an abscess.

Symptoms of a cat bite abscess

Signs of an abscess often appear a few days after a fight:

• Swelling under the skin: often hot and painful to the touch
• Puncture wounds: though they may close quickly and be hard to see
• A burst abscess with pus, blood, and crusting: often with a nasty smell
• Refusing to eat or drink
• Lethargy or sleeping more than usual
• Fever
• Limping, especially if the bite is near a leg or paw

Cats with abscesses may also become withdrawn or hide away because they’re in pain. If you notice these changes, it’s time to call your vet.

Cats at a higher risk of bite abscesses

Any cat that fights is at risk, but some groups are more vulnerable:

• Entire (unneutered) male cats: roaming and territorial behaviour make them more likely to fight
• Outdoor cats: especially in areas where there are many strays or community cats
• Cats with weaker immune systems: including cats with Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV), or chronic illnesses, such as diabetes
• Cats living in villa compounds or sharing outdoor spaces: environments that increase contact with other cats

Diagnosing cat bite abscesses

Vets usually diagnose cat bite abscesses based on the appearance and symptoms. In some cases they may advise further tests.

• Fine needle aspiration: using a needle to confirm there’s pus inside the swelling
• Testing for FIV or FeLV, which can be transmitted through bites
• Blood tests: checking overall health and ruling out underlying health issues
• Biopsy, imaging, or bacterial culture for complex cases

Veterinary treatment for cat bite abscesses

The aim of treatment is to relieve pain, remove infection, and prevent recurrence.

• Prescribing antibiotics: by injection, tablets, or topical creams
• Providing pain relief/anti-inflammatory treatment: reduces pain and swelling
• Lancing and draining the abscess under sedation or a general anaesthesic
• Clipping the surrounding fur and thoroughly flushing the wound
• Inserting a drain if necessary to prevent pus from building up again
• Leaving the wound open (more likely) or stitching it together, depending on the location and severity

Most cats improve rapidly after treatment, with swelling subsiding and appetite returning within a few days.

Home care for cats with abscesses

Once the abscess has been treated, good home care helps recovery:

• Bathe the area 1-2 times daily with a saline solution: Use 1 teaspoon of salt in 500 ml of cooled boiled water
• Keep the wound clean and dry
• Prevent licking: use a buster (cone) collar or recovery suit
• Restrict outdoor access until the wound heals
• Provide soft, palatable food to encourage eating
• Give prescribed medication at the correct time and dose. Always complete courses of antibiotics, even if your cat seems better

If the swelling persists or your cat becomes lethargic again, contact your vet for a recheck.

Tips for preventing cat bite abscesses

• Neuter your cat or kitten: neutering reduces roaming and fighting between cats.
• Limit outdoor access: consider supervising outdoor time or using secure enclosures.
• Keep a careful eye on cats in multi-cat households: tension and competition for resources can lead to fights indoors.
• Check your cat after they’ve been outdoors: small scabs or puncture wounds may signal the start of an abscess.

When to worry

See your vet as soon as possible if your cat:

• Has an open wound discharging pus or a bad smell
• Hasn’t eaten or drunk in over 24 hours
• Has an abscess close to a joint or on the paw, which may affect their mobility

Call your vet for advice if:

• You notice sudden swelling, but there’s no discharge as yet
• Your cat is limping or seems more tired than usual
• Your cat has recently been in a fight and you’re unsure what to do next

Are people or other pets at risk?

Cat bite abscesses themselves aren’t contagious. However, cat bites to humans carry a high risk of infection. If you get bitten or scratched by a cat, wash the wound immediately and seek medical advice.

Worried your cat may have a bite abscess?
Book a check-up or same-day appointment at Modern Vet Hospital in Dubai. Their skilled veterinary team can diagnose and treat abscesses quickly, relieve your cat’s pain, and prevent complications. From emergency care to preventive advice, Modern Vet Hospital is your trusted clinic in Dubai for compassionate, professional pet care.