Expert: Jessica - 10/1/2010

Question
My 1 year old male cat was attacked by an unknown
animal. He has a 9 mm wound to his side. Unknown
How long this has been here but I assume a few
days because he doesn't go outside much. The
puncture wound is small maybe 1-2 mm, however it
is infected.  I am taking him to the vet tomorrow,  
but I am trying to prevent further infection.  He has
pulled all the hair out at the site, which is how I
noticed this. I cleaned the affected area with soap,
water, hydrogen peroxide,  and dried it. I then
placed. Polysporin over the wound and left
uncovered.  Is there anything else I can do? I am
thinking since I'm not sure what attacked him if I
should crate him till I get to the vet in fear of rabies
infection.  What else should I do?  

Answer
Hi Amanda,

If your kitty is up-to-date on his rabies vaccine (had a shot as a kitten), then there should be no risk of rabies.  Crating should not be necessary.  It sounds like you have done most everything necessary to care for the wound except for getting him antibiotics, which the vet will need to provide.  

The only thing I would suggest is to hold a warm, wet compress to the wound to encourage it to drain.  Most abscesses have a great deal of pus inside them, and heat will encourage this to come out.  Some gauze soaked with comfortably hot water should be held to the wound.  After a few minutes, use the gauze to wipe away any pus and blood that has been drawn out.  Use your hands to produce pressure around the wound, which will further encourage pus to exit the wound.  Then repeat the compress.  Again, wipe away any discharge.  

I would probably not apply any more polysporin at this point, as it can sometimes discourage draining of the wound, and he'll be seeing a vet shortly.  Your vet is likely to prescribe an antibiotic cream, which has a lighter consistency that won't impede draining.  The vet may also prescribe a wound wash that won't damage tissue or delay healing.  

Best of luck!

Jessica