Raised swellings on any part of the body. Start off firm but then usually become soft and fluctuating. May rupture releasing yellow or bloody pus.

 

Tumours, blood blisters (see haematomas), cysts (salivary or sebaceous cysts) foreign bodies (e.g. apple in throat).

 

Small wounds. Cat scratches. Splinters and thorns. Grass seeds. Bad teeth (see carnassial abscess.),

 

First Aid:
When hard: Bathe with a cloth soaked in warm water in order to bring it to a head.When soft: Handle with care since it may rupture. Be prepared to remove any material that does come out with a paper towel or a clean cloth.

 

After rupturing: Flush the open wound with copious amounts of clean water, or water containing very dilute disinfectants such as Hibitane or Pevidene.

 

Abscess are not usually an emergency but all of them should be treated by a vet. They do not require an emergency call-out but should be seen within 24 hours.

 

Flushing the pus out of an abscess is essential and may require a general anaesthetic and lancing. Drains are often inserted. Antibiotics are also vital. The main challenge with an abscess is to allow the deeper tissues to heal before the skin closes over trapping the infection inside.

 

Neutering of cats will reduce the desire to fight and resultin far fewer abscess.

If cats in one household fight, it may be possible to defuse the tension between them through a combination of calming pheromone diffusers, natural anxiolytics, changes to the set up of the household and behavioural training