My cat has a hole on his neck. Does he need a vet or home care?

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.

Hi, Thank you for reaching out with your question! The lesion in the photos appears to just affect the skin, so if it is from rough play with your other cat, it at least doesn’t appear to cut deeper into layers below the skin. I assume this is the only lesion on Sinbad. Therefore, given the lesion is superficial and solitary, you could certainly keep a close eye on it for any changes. If the lesion is actually deeper than the skin (like a puncture or full laceration), then you should definitely have a veterinarian thoroughly clean the wound. If you notice it changing shape, size, color, or produce any discharge, they I wouldn’t hestitate to take him to the vet. In the meantime, I would make sure the area is clean and dry. A regular washcloth with warm water (an antiseptic like betadine or chlorhexidine could be used if needed) should be sufficient to clean the area and provide warm compress. Your veterinarian can perform a physical exam and possibly some diagnostic related to the skin (skin scrape, biopsy, etc) if indicated.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I'm sorry to hear Ringo has a wound on his neck. Based on your picture, it does look like he might have a skin infection of some kind, even possibly from a ruptured abscess. Does he go outside? I would recommend having him evaluated by his regular veterinarian to have area clipped, cleaned, and assessed to determine what may be going on, and what treatment (antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, or possible surgical repair) may be needed to resolve it. If he goes outside and the wound may have come from an unknown animal, I would also recommend his rabies vaccine be boostered as well. Good luck!

Even though a picture would help to understand better the underlying cause, this presentation could be due to a trauma (bite wound) and/or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection may be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking/scratching. 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.

You can try putting some neosporin on it twice a day. If it isn’t healing then I would have your vet take a look at it. She may need oral antibiotics or there could be a parasite in it causing the hole. I hope this helps!

From the picture it isn't very clear but it looks like a skin wound. Pheobo need to be seen by a veterinarian as might need some medication (antibiotic treatment) and if the wound is very deep might need to be stitched up. In the meantime keep the area clean and avoid licking. Please post again in the forum if you would like to discuss it further or if you have new pictures. I hope my answer was helpful.

Tiger needs to see the veterinarian. It is likely already infected judging by the hair loss and redness in the area. You should protect it from further scratching by having him wear an Elizabethan collar at all times. That is the best way to make sure he does not scratch at it which will make it worse. It’s possible he has an infection, an abscess or had a fly larva living in his skin. Best to get it seen today if at all possible. I hope he starts feeling better quickly and please feel free to post any additional questions.