Pulled a clump of scab tissue off my cat and it left sort of a hole.

gacku

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Mar 25, 2016
Messages
5
Purraise
2
Hey there, I know this isn't a great first post for someone on a site, but I figured that a place like this would be able to help.

My cat had this rather large clump of scab-like tissue on his head just outside the front of his right ear. It didn't seem like it was doing him any favors so I pulled it off, which brought some stuff with it that I can only assume was pus of some manner and left behind something of a hole on his head. I can get a picture if need be (if he'll hold still long enough for it) but... do I need to do anything with it? I've already wiped him off in the area with some mildly hot water, which he didn't appreciate, but other than that I'm not entirely sure what to do next.

Thanks for any advice you folks can give me.
 

nurseangel

TCS Member
Veteran
Joined
Jul 6, 2007
Messages
10,132
Purraise
4,820
Location
1 Happy Place
Hi, welcome to TCS.   I am sorry that I don't have advice to give, but we have many wonderful members who are much more knowledgeable than me in cat health issues.  And don't worry about the spelling...it's fine.  
 

artiemom

Artie, my Angel; a part of my heart
Top Cat
Joined
Dec 22, 2014
Messages
11,123
Purraise
23,110
Location
near Boston
If it were me, and I was concerned about pus, I would definitely either take him to a Vet or at least speak to my regular Vet over the phone. I know they would want to see him.

Pus means infection. A hole means that there is potential for more infection..

While waiting for the appointment, I think I would use a bit of peroxide to wash it down with.. hurts like heck but..

I would definitely not fool around with home stuff. The Vet is the only one who can correctly diagnose and help...

It could be from a cat bite ~ those things are bad, for cat..
 
Last edited:

donutte

Professional cat sitter extraordinaire!
Top Cat
Joined
Apr 22, 2015
Messages
5,775
Purraise
2,554
Location
Northern suburbs of Chicago
I know you were probably looking for any answer but this, but you should really have it checked out by a vet. A scab was there protecting the wound while it healed, and when you took it off, you re-opened it. Should never take a scab off (from your cat or yourself) - it does have a purpose! But yes, if there is pus and a hole left behind, they should definitely have a look at it.
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #5

gacku

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Mar 25, 2016
Messages
5
Purraise
2
Well, crap... The only reason I did it was because it was just... a clump on the outside, like it was something stuck to his head. Guess I'll have to call the vet, then. Thanks.
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #6

gacku

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Mar 25, 2016
Messages
5
Purraise
2
Update!

Took the cat to the vet and she said she just needs antibiotics, so it seems that he'll be fine. Though, I think I'll try to keep him inside so he doesn't fight the neighborhood cats for awhile.
 

donutte

Professional cat sitter extraordinaire!
Top Cat
Joined
Apr 22, 2015
Messages
5,775
Purraise
2,554
Location
Northern suburbs of Chicago
Update!

Took the cat to the vet and she said she just needs antibiotics, so it seems that he'll be fine. Though, I think I'll try to keep him inside so he doesn't fight the neighborhood cats for awhile.
That is great! And I agree, if you can keep him in while he's healing, that would definitely be best :nod:
 

artiemom

Artie, my Angel; a part of my heart
Top Cat
Joined
Dec 22, 2014
Messages
11,123
Purraise
23,110
Location
near Boston
 
Update!

Took the cat to the vet and she said she just needs antibiotics, so it seems that he'll be fine. Though, I think I'll try to keep him inside so he doesn't fight the neighborhood cats for awhile.
Great! So glad that you took him to the Vet; and that you are keeping him in...really it is a good idea to keep him in---if you are able to....
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #11

gacku

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Mar 25, 2016
Messages
5
Purraise
2
Glad you got him checked out. Question - is he neutered?
Not yet, no. It's pretty expensive so I'm trying to wait until I won't feel like I'm cleaned out after getting it done.

Also, thanks everyone. Though, it's kind of annoying because he's really whiny when he wants to go out. His meowing can be pretty loud.
 

talkingpeanut

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Oct 12, 2015
Messages
11,793
Purraise
3,600
It's really important that he stay in until he is neutered. That is why he's fighting with other cats, and the chances of him getting injured or a nasty disease are high. Both, by the way, will lead to higher vet bills than neutering.

He's also contributing to the problem of unwanted cats.

If you'd like some help finding a low cost clinic, please let us know where you are located. Good luck!
 
Last edited:

nansiludie

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Mar 14, 2014
Messages
2,171
Purraise
1,213
If you are the US. Imom.org might be able to help you. They've helped me in the past. They pay only for spay/neuter at a low-cost clinic.   I do suggest you get him his shots if he's not already had them and also pain meds once he has been done. Imom won't pay for that but he'll need the pain meds afterwards. 
 

LTS3

TCS Member
Veteran
Joined
Aug 29, 2014
Messages
19,209
Purraise
19,695
Location
USA
Look into a low cost spay / neuter clinic if you can't afford a regular vet. Many states also have spay / neuter programs. Your local SPCA or humane society might have more info or you can just Google it.
 
Top