Possible bite?

Hello! I have an outdoor cat, and just a few hours ago he came in with a fairly large patch of fur missing. When we investigated, we found a small area of skin missing as well, and directly above what appears to be two small teeth imprints (like another cat's) and we are wondering if this looks familiar to anyone else? We haven't cleaned the wound in fear of irritating the skin, or stressing him out, since it doesn't look dirty. He is moving around fine. But we are still concerned. Any advice? 
 

Germs are tiny enough to be invisible.  Clean it, clean it really good.  Most animals have mouths so nasty it would put a toilet to shame.  Unless it's a choice between going to the vet and paying rent, take the cat to the vet as well.

A cat I had a long time ago tangled with a bobcat and ended up with chunks taken out of his leg that exact size.  We missed them at first because he had long black fur and while I noticed him limping I couldn't convince my parents there was a real problem until I found the teeth marks.  And by that time he was pretty sick and they had to inject the antibiotics.  They also used wire to close the wounds in lieu of stitches.

Thank you for such a quick reply! What do you recommend cleaning it with? I know hydrogen peroxide is damaging to the skin around it, but currently it is what we have available, if it would help even a little. We've realized our step-dad has known about the cut for a few days and kept it from us, so while it doesn't look to be infected yet, bacteria might already be in. Taking him to the vet seems sadly unlikely, due to it already being acknowledged by our parents and kept quiet. I'm also sorry to hear you've experienced a similar thing with your kitty. I am glad he got the antibiotics. I'm sure it was just as scary for you. 

Oof, I didn't realize you were a minor child.

I would use the hydrogen peroxide and clean it pretty good, hydrogen peroxide is safe for cats.  I would also use neosporin that does *not* have pain relief mixed in it, just plain neosporin, twice a day.  If you can shave off enough fur to put a bandaid on, great, otherwise once you apply the neosporin wipe as much off as possible.

Is your cat neutered? Wondering if this could be an abscess.

Thank you again for the update. Knowing peroxide is safe for him is very helpful! We will try this for awhile. He isn't neutered, so it is very possible it is an abscess, but there is no raised bump or any pus currently. How will we know if it becomes an abscess? Will the small hole bubble over with pus? 

Jordyne said:

Thank you again for the update. Knowing peroxide is safe for him is very helpful! We will try this for awhile. He isn't neutered, so it is very possible it is an abscess, but there is no raised bump or any pus currently. How will we know if it becomes an abscess? Will the small hole bubble over with pus? 

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The hole is a burst abscess. Can you have him neutered or keep him inside? This is going to keep happening, and worse, unless you do.

Kitten season is coming up. Males will be fighting to the death for their territory. Your cat is also contributing to the influx of unwanted kittens.

talkingpeanut said:

The hole is a burst abscess. Can you have him neutered or keep him inside? This is going to keep happening, and worse, unless you do.

Kitten season is coming up. Males will be fighting to the death for their territory. Your cat is also contributing to the influx of unwanted kittens.

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One of my cats (a spayed female) had an abscess and it didn't look anything like that when it burst.  It looked totally different.  The picture does look exactly like when my black cat was bitten.

And remember, the OP is a minor child.  He can't do a thing about the neutering, so no need to guilt.

arouetta said:

 
One of my cats (a spayed female) had an abscess and it didn't look anything like that when it burst.  It looked totally different.  The picture does look exactly like when my black cat was bitten.

And remember, the OP is a minor child.  He can't do a thing about the neutering, so no need to guilt.

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The OP can keep the cat inside where it will be safe.  Not a guilt trip, but important to be aware.