Bite Wounds and Abscesses

Painted illustration of a bite wound abscess in a cat

What is it?

An abscess is a pocket of pus caused by bacterial infection. In cats, one of the most common causes is a bite from another animal, which pushes bacteria under the skin. Cats that fight or go outdoors are at higher risk. Cats with FIV or FeLV, diabetes, or on immune-suppressing medicines may be more prone to abscesses. Sticks or grass seeds can also cause them.

What signs should I watch for?

An abscess usually appears suddenly as a painful swelling that may be firm or squishy like a water balloon, often with redness. It may burst and leak a foul-smelling thick fluid. Affected cats often have a fever and may be lethargic or withdrawn, dehydrated, and off their food.

How is it diagnosed and treated?

Your veterinarian will remove the pus by draining and flushing the abscess or by surgery, and remove any foreign material. Antibiotics are a key part of treatment, sometimes chosen with the help of a culture, and should be given for the full course with pain relief. Keep your cat quiet and indoors while it heals, and watch for increased draining.

Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook?

Reducing fighting and play-fighting is the best way to prevent bite-wound abscesses.
With proper drainage, antibiotics, pain relief, and follow-up care, cats usually recover completely; delayed treatment can lead to chronic draining tracts.

Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026.

Common in cats that fight or go outdoors

Who's at risk:

Sudden painful swelling, draining pus, fever, lethargy, not eating

Main signs:

See a vet within a day or two

Urgency:

When to call a vet right away