{"id":439796,"date":"2023-11-15T14:18:05","date_gmt":"2023-11-15T19:18:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.catster.com\/?p=439796"},"modified":"2025-01-07T06:51:05","modified_gmt":"2024-09-19T10:39:54","slug":"abscesses-in-cats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.catster.com\/ask-the-vet\/abscesses-in-cats\/","title":{"rendered":"Abscesses in Cats: Causes, Signs & Care (Vet Answer)"},"content":{"rendered":"

If your cat has a lump under their skin that is painful, <\/span>either firm or, more often, soft t<\/span>o the touch, <\/span>and has suddenly appeared out of nowhere, they may have<\/span> an abscess. Abscesses can develop anywhere on the body, <\/span>even within internal organs<\/span>, such as the lungs, brain, liver, or kidneys, <\/span>and these will not be noticeable. External abscesses that form under the skin may not be obvious<\/span> until they rupture,<\/span> producing very malodorous and blood-stained fluid, or the <\/span>animal shows other clinical signs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In cats, <\/span>some<\/span> abscesses, particularly ones affecting the internal organs, can lead to sepsis and other serious health complications for<\/span> your pet, so they require immediate veterinary attention. You should know what to look for <\/span>and how a vet will treat <\/span>an abscess in your cat to keep them happy and healthy.<\/span><\/p>\n

This article will teach you how to <\/span>recognize an abscess under the skin and general signs of illness in your cat associated with an abscess. However, it’s not a replacement for veterinary clinical exams and treatment, and an abscess cannot be managed at home without a vet’s input. Not every swelling under the skin is an abscess, and only your vet can establish this with certainty. <\/span><\/p>\n

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What Is an Abscess?<\/h2>\n

An abscess is a painful, well-defined <\/span>pus<\/span> collection. They can be found all over the body and can get quite large (the size of a Ping-Pong ball or bigger) or remain small. Some will grow so large that the resulting pocket may burst, and the pus will drain out.<\/span>1<\/span><\/a><\/sup> This occurs as a result of the body’s reaction to pyogenic germs (i.e., causing the formation of pus).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pus is a foul-smelling viscous liquid of various colors (white, yellow, or greenish) that contains<\/span> red and white blood cells, neutrophils, plasma, living and dead bacteria, proteins, and other organic debris.<\/span><\/p>\n

In cats, two types of abscesses are most common:<\/span><\/p>\n

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