My cat has a bite wound leaking fluid. Is it infected? What to do?

Yes. I would recommend to take her to the vet. The doctor will likely put her on antibiotics to try to clean up the infection. You also need to make sure that she is not licking at the area as this can make it worse. She should wear an Elizabethan collar at all times and be kept indoors completely until the wound is completely healed. I hope she feels better quickly and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. Judging from the photo, it looks like a wound or a mass that has opened up and is potentially infected. I would recommend having him seen by a vet for further testing so that the most appropriate treatment can be recommended. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns. I am also available via consultation if needed.

Poor Luka! From the picture you have provided, the edges of the wound make it appear to be an older wound, not a fresh new one, and it appears to be healing. That being said, I cannot rule out any additional wounds or any infection without seeing him in person, and it is a pretty good size wound. To be safe, yes I would take him into the vet just to get it checked out and to make sure there aren't any other problems. I hope this helps!

That could be ok but it is best to repost your question and attach a picture of it to have a complete and reliable advice from us. As you suspected, this presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). Disinfection can be done at home with diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths (twice daily as long as needed). Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking/scratching. all the pus must be removed and the wound must be flushed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. Please find the time to give us a feedback about the consultation as that will be used to improve our service.

I am sorry to hear that Cloudy is hurt. It looks like the wound is becoming infected. I would encourage you to have him evaluated by your veterinarian soon. He likely needs antibiotics. In the meantime you can try a warm water and Epsom salt compress to the area for several minute trying to soak off that debris. Best of luck and I hope he improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

Hello, and thank you for your question. This looks very suspicious for an abscess (localized area of infection). The puncture wound may have been the entry point for bacteria to enter. I would recommend getting Angel to the vet within the next 1-2 days. They can take a sample of the fluid to confirm the nature of the mass, and start antibiotic therapy if it is an abscess. In the meantime, I would ensure Angel does not scratch the area, by putting a scarf or e-collar (cone) on (it is difficult to say which would be best, as I can't tell the exact location of the lump in the photo). You can also try to disinfect the area by gently wiping with a dilute solution of betadine and water (1:10). I hope this helps, and that Angel feels better soon.

That looks like a bad bite and needs to be seen by a vet right away. Cats that go outside are more likely to get into fights with other cats, and these wounds can easily become infected. Your vet can clean and drain the wound, and provide antibiotics, pain meds and other treatments as needed.