Cat wound: what can it be?

Author: Peter Berry
Date Of Creation: 14 February 2021
Update Date: 6 November 2024
Anonim
Cat wound care
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In this PeritoAnimal article, we'll explain why a cat can have a skin wound. There are several causes that can be behind the appearance of this type of skin lesions in cats, such as scabies, wounds and ulcers. Let's talk about the most common causes, which can range from a bite caused by a fight to a reaction to parasites such as fleas, allergies, infections or even tumors.

In all cases of skin wounds, it should be a veterinarian who makes an accurate diagnosis and recommends treatment, however, to provide all possible information to the specialist, we will explain below - cat wound: what can it be?

Cat wounds from fighting

The simplest cause that explains why wounds in cats is that they were provoked by an attack. Sometimes, even playing with another cat, wounds can arise. Some bites falsely close, producing feline percutaneous abscess, that is, infection under the skin, although it is more common to find that your cat has scabs on the skin that will correspond to smaller wounds that have healed on their own.


Bite wounds will be more common in cats that live with other people or other animals and have access to the outdoors, where fights can be triggered by territorial problems or by females in heat. If these wounds are mild, you can disinfect them at home. However, if they are deep, look bad, or have pus, we should consult a trusted veterinarian, as may need drainage, disinfection and antibiotics.

Cat Wounds: Skin Reaction Patterns

Sometimes the reason a cat has skin sores is explained as part of a skin reaction pattern. Usually these wounds are caused by itching, especially if it is maintained over time. The cat licks and scratches itself, causing hair loss and erosions such as ulcers or sores. Within these patterns, produced by different causes, the following stand out:


  • Self-inflicted hypotrichosis: This disorder involves hair loss, but it is also responsible for a condition known as itchy facial dermatitis, in which sores on the cat's skin can be seen. In Persian, a idiopathic facial dermatitis is identified, possibly caused by a disorder in the sebaceous glands. It is characterized by scabs on the face and can get complicated until reaching the neck and ears. Occurs in young cats.
  • Miliary dermatitis: this reaction produces skin irritation, manifests itself in the form of small wounds, especially in the neck and head. Also, scratching can cause alopecia (hair loss) and other injuries. It develops due to allergies, infections, parasites, etc.
  • eosinophilic complex: includes three types of lesions that can also appear in the mouth, such as eosinophilic ulcer, a eosinophilic plate it's the eosinophilic granuloma.

Cat skin wounds caused by parasites

Several parasites can explain why your cat has skin wounds Or until because the cat has mange. The most common are as follows:


  • Fleas: these insects bite the cat to feed on its blood, which causes itching and areas with alopecia (hair loss) and sores in the lumbosacral part and neck. Fleas can be seen directly, as well as their remains, and can be fought using anti-parasitic products for cats.
  • ticks: mainly attack cats that have access to the outdoors or that live with dogs. If we don't detect the parasite while it bites, we can sometimes find it in areas with thinner skin, such as the ears, neck or between the fingers, small bumps and even small scabs on the cat's skin, which can correspond to a reaction. to the tick bite. It is necessary to visit the veterinarian to confirm that this is what this is about.
  • Mites: are responsible for diseases such as scabies, which can infect even humans. It is characterized by intense itching, especially on the head, although it can spread, where alopecia (hair loss) and crusts appear. the mite otodectes cynotis affects the ears, especially of younger cats, and causes otitis, visible as a dark brown discharge. O Neothrombicula autumnalis it is seen with very itchy orange spots and scabs. They are eliminated with antiparasitic drugs once the veterinarian has made the diagnosis.

Cat skin wounds due to allergies

Hypersensitivity to certain substances can explain cat skin wounds. We've already talked about the action of fleas but, in addition, when the animal is allergic to their saliva, a single bite can trigger a situation in which you will see sores in the neck and lumbosacral area, although it can extend. Appears between 3 and 6 years. As we have already said, it is essential to make preventive use of antiparasitic drugs.

THE atopic dermatitis, to which there is a genetic predisposition, can also affect cats, as well as adverse reactions to food. In these cases, the veterinarian will reach the diagnosis and start the treatment. Atopic dermatitis usually appears in animals under 3 years of age, in a generalized or local form and always itchy. It can also cause coughing, sneezing or conjunctivitis. In food allergies or intolerances, the lesions will be on the head, but they can also occur in a generalized way. The diagnosis is confirmed if there is a positive response to a elimination diet.

Cat skin wounds from infection

Bacteria and fungi can also explain cat skin sores. Some of these infections may be behind the sores on a cat's skin, as in the cases of pyoderma, which are bacterial infections. Within this section we highlight the following disorders as the most common, although there are many others:

  • feline acne: Usually presents as blackheads on the chin, but can progress and generate infection, requiring disinfection and veterinary treatment. Can appear at any age.
  • Ringworm: probably the best-known feline disease capable of infecting humans. Although the presentation usually consists of alopecia (hair loss) in a circular shape, it can also be seen as miliary dermatitis or eosinophilic granuloma. It requires veterinary treatment and monitoring of hygiene measures to avoid contagion. It is more common in kittens, malnourished or sick animals.
  • Panniculitis: it is the inflammation of the adipose tissue that produces ulcers with discharge. As it can have several causes, the treatment will depend on your determination.

Cat skin wounds from cancer

Some tumoral processes can also explain the presence of wounds in the cat's skin. In cats, there is a malignant tumor, the squamous cell carcinoma, which can appear in the nose, ears or eyelids, at first like a crust. It is due to the action of the sun on clear areas with few hairs. If exposure is prolonged and the cat is not treated, carcinoma may appear.

Any erosion should be reviewed by the veterinarian as the prognosis improves the sooner the diagnosis is made. It is necessary avoid sun exposure and, in more severe cases, opt for surgery, which is more or less complex according to location or radiotherapy.

Cat wound: diagnosis

Since we have already commented on the causes that can explain why cat wounds or scabs on the skin, it is essential to visit to the veterinary center, since it will be this professional who will be able, through exams, to arrive at the exact diagnosis among all the possible causes. Between the exams to be performed the following stand out:

  • Sampling;
  • Skin scraping;
  • Ear exam:
  • Visualization of hair under a microscope;
  • Cytological study;
  • Observation with Wood's lamp;
  • Biopsy;
  • In some cases, it may be necessary to carry out radio and echographic analyzes and studies.

It is very important not to try to treat a cat wound at home with home remedies or medication without the advice of a veterinarian, since, as we have already mentioned, the treatment will vary depending on the cause, and inadequate administration can considerably worsen the condition. clinical.

This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.