Cut my cat's skin. Advice?

**Bisclavret** · 12-28-2011, 01:52 PM

While grooming my close to seventeen year old cat and cutting off hair knots with a pair of scissors, my mother accidently cut through its skin, leaving a "hole" exposing the pinkish tissue which lies underneath. The wound itself did not bleed, and aside from the cat's initial complaint, it does not seem to be painful for the animal.

Now before anyone mentions it, going to see a vet is not an option. I don't have the financial resources at the moment. All the same, logic tells me that this wound might be susceptible to infection if left untreated, which could be cause for much concern. However, logic also tells me that "poor" treatment may be worst than no treatment at all.

For those having encountered and or experienced this before I ask: "should I just let it be and expect it to heal itself? Besides saline solutions (which I have dabbed on the cat already), what other home remedies are regularly used on felines for skin wounds?"

Any informed advice would be greatly appreciated.

**MrControll** · 12-28-2011, 01:57 PM

If there isn't any blood, then there will probably just be a mild scab or something like that. Yes, an infection is still a concern, but for the time being, just keep an eye on things. I'm not sure what to do if you can't see a vet...

**RBM** · 12-28-2011, 01:57 PM

Peroxide as I recall is an effective infection deterrent ( confirm/deny with online research).

Depending on whether the cat is indoor or outdoor and other general activity variriables it should be healed in a few days.

In addition can the cat get at the spot to lick it as that has benefits.

**mieu** · 12-28-2011, 02:06 PM

How deep is the wound? I tend to much smaller animals, but a tea of boiled thyme is recommended for wound care (on a bandage), and I've never had an infected wound in my animals. It's a natural antiseptic, and you don't have to worry if your cat licks it.

Scratch that--a preliminary Googling suggests that thyme is toxic to cats. Picky buggers. Some say it's okay in small amounts, others say avoid 'thyme oil' which is much more concentrated than thyme boiled in water.

**plotthickens** · 12-28-2011, 02:11 PM

	Originally Posted by RBM To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	Peroxide as I recall is an effective infection deterrent ( confirm/deny with online research). Depending on whether the cat is indoor or outdoor and other general activity variriables it should be healed in a few days. In addition can the cat get at the spot to lick it as that has benefits.

Peroxide boils away and kills living tissue. While it disinfects, this is a bad thing to use on an open wound. Do not allow the cat to lick it, this will increase infection rates. Create a high collar of some sort if the cat can get to the spot (be careful not to chafe the neck skin -- pad it if necessary).

Hold the cat down in a safe place and squirt alcohol -- rubbing, high-proof drinking, whatever you got -- on the wound, then let go quick and leave it alone. Good for disinfection, bad for cat attitude. Do it quickly before it scabs.

**PlatinumBlack** · 12-28-2011, 02:16 PM

Take it to the vet and leave it. See if they can give it up for adoption. But they can't turn it away.

**Bisclavret** · 12-28-2011, 02:16 PM

	Originally Posted by RBM To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	Peroxide as I recall is an effective infection deterrent ( confirm/deny with online research). Depending on whether the cat is indoor or outdoor and other general activity variriables it should be healed in a few days. In addition can the cat get at the spot to lick it as that has benefits.

Actually, its in indoor cat. And considering its age, it sleeps most of the time and isn't much physically active.

The wound is on its right flank. It is attainable, but since it's a long haired cat, it might require some effort on his part.

Now you speak of hydrogen peroxide. Though I am aware of its use for humans, I am not knowledgeable in its usage on animals. Would you happen to know how it contributes to the the healing process in felines? If the cat were to lick the wound, would its ingestion be hazardous? Is it the "safest" option that you know of?

---------- Post added 12-28-2011 at 05:17 PM ----------

	Originally Posted by PlatinumBlack To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	Take it to the vet and leave it. See if they can give it up for adoption. But they can't turn it away.

Not an option at this point, considering his age and all.

**RBM** · 12-28-2011, 02:18 PM

Ahhh, thanks for the correction, plot. My memory was shaky and it was alcohol I had in mind.

**Bisclavret** · 12-28-2011, 02:22 PM

Originally Posted by plotthickens
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Peroxide boils away and kills living tissue. While it disinfects, this is a bad thing to use on an open wound. Do not allow the cat to lick it, this will increase infection rates. Create a high collar of some sort if the cat can get to the spot (be careful not to chafe the neck skin -- pad it if necessary).

Hold the cat down in a safe place and squirt alcohol -- rubbing, high-proof drinking, whatever you got -- on the wound, then let go quick and leave it alone. Good for disinfection, bad for cat attitude. Do it quickly before it scabs.

It kills living tissue you say? Hmm...that can't be good. But rubbing alcohol, isn't it too abrasive?

**plotthickens** · 12-28-2011, 02:23 PM

	Originally Posted by Bisclavret To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	It kills living tissue you say? Hmm...that can't be good. But rubbing alcohol, isn't it too abrasive?

Rubbing alcohol has no abrasives, it is liquid.

**Bisclavret** · 12-28-2011, 02:24 PM

	Originally Posted by MrControll To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	If there isn't any blood, then there will probably just be a mild scab or something like that. Yes, an infection is still a concern, but for the time being, just keep an eye on things. I'm not sure what to do if you can't see a vet...

There is no blood. Not a trace.

I guess I'll be playing "doctor" for at least the next few days or so.

---------- Post added 12-28-2011 at 05:28 PM ----------

	Originally Posted by plotthickens To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	Rubbing alcohol has no abrasives, it is liquid.

Sorry, by "abrasive" I meant "harsh".

I am assuming that it would hurt quite badly if I dabbed some on the open wound. Moroever, the prospect of him licking it is still something which must be accounted for.

**Megalomania** · 12-28-2011, 02:49 PM

It'll be fine just disinfect it regularly and try to keep it clean.

**plotthickens** · 12-28-2011, 03:06 PM

	Originally Posted by Bisclavret To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	Sorry, by "abrasive" I meant "harsh". I am assuming that it would hurt quite badly if I dabbed some on the open wound. Moroever, the prospect of him licking it is still something which must be accounted for.

Yep, it's going to hurt. Which is worse: long-term infection -- which, with no vet care in an old cat, could be serious -- or a YOW hurt?

Squirt it with Vodka. Soon.

**greasemonkey** · 12-28-2011, 03:15 PM

The trouble with cats is that their tounges are very abrasive, if the wound starts itching,it may lick it, which will irritate the wound, which the cat may lick further. Thats why the vets put cones around the heads of animals that have had operations.

See what happens. It may heal up with no problem.

A vet may well have an antiseptic spray, that may have a soothing quality, for very little money. I dont know what country your in or what your situation is, but an agricultural vet is likely to be far cheaper than a pet and small animal vet.

**Bisclavret** · 12-28-2011, 03:35 PM

	Originally Posted by plotthickens To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	Yep, it's going to hurt. Which is worse: long-term infection -- which, with no vet care in an old cat, could be serious -- or a YOW hurt? Squirt it with Vodka. Soon.

Yes, but he may lick the wound. I want to prevent its ingestion.

---------- Post added 12-28-2011 at 06:37 PM ----------

Question to all:

Does anyone know if a saline solution, including sodium bicarbonate, would be a safer yet equally effective option for keeping it clean?

**plotthickens** · 12-28-2011, 03:39 PM

	Originally Posted by Bisclavret To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	Yes, but he may lick the wound. I want to prevent its ingestion.

	Originally Posted by plotthickens To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	Create a high collar of some sort if the cat can get to the spot (be careful not to chafe the neck skin -- pad it if necessary).

Additionally, it's been at least 2 hours since the first post. If you haven't disinfected the wound by now, it is far too late for first aid. Now you can only react to infection, if it has set in.

---------- Post added 12-28-2011 at 03:39 PM ----------

	Originally Posted by Bisclavret To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	Does anyone know if a saline solution, including sodium bicarbonate, would be a safer yet equally effective option for keeping it clean?

No. Neither of those disinfect.

**Mogura** · 12-28-2011, 04:52 PM

Take your cat to the vet. Animals feel pain just the same as you...

**titi monkey** · 12-28-2011, 04:52 PM

Salve, fit for man or beast.

**Warrior** · 12-28-2011, 05:02 PM

If it wasn't bleeding, isn't beeding, and the cat doesn't seem to be bothered by it, I'd say leave it alone. Of all the animals I have dealt with, cats seem be the ones that heal the best.

**HackerX** · 12-28-2011, 05:06 PM

Plot's advice is what you should be following. Regular disinfection (alcohol (e.g. isopropanol) or some other disinfectant (dettol etc)) and a collar to stop it licking the wound. It's really not much different to any other animal (humans included). Salt water and Sodium Bicarbonate isn't bad, but not really good enough. It's a risk. Still need to avoid the cat licking the wound.

If it's deep enough to require stitches though, suck it up and take it to a vet. You own the animal and should be responsible for it.

And yes, when doing it, hold on tight and get ready for a really pissed off cat. Welding gloves are good. <- Experience. There's no nice way of doing it.

**Bisclavret** · 12-28-2011, 07:18 PM

Originally Posted by HackerX
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Plot's advice is what you should be following. Regular disinfection (alcohol (e.g. isopropanol) or some other disinfectant (dettol etc)) and a collar to stop it licking the wound. It's really not much different to any other animal (humans included). Salt water and Sodium Bicarbonate isn't bad, but not really good enough. It's a risk. Still need to avoid the cat licking the wound.

If it's deep enough to require stitches though, suck it up and take it to a vet. You own the animal and should be responsible for it.

And yes, when doing it, hold on tight and get ready for a really pissed off cat. Welding gloves are good. <- Experience. There's no nice way of doing it.

Well I don't have a collar nor do I know how to make one, so proposition won't be acted upon.
Consequently, its too risky to use alcohol and or any other chemical disinfectant.

As aforementioned, going to a vet is not an option...

I'll continue with the saline solution, keeping my fingers crossed that it heals on its own.

---------- Post added 12-28-2011 at 10:19 PM ----------

	Originally Posted by Mogura To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	Take your cat to the vet. Animals feel pain just the same as you...

Please consult the OP.

**HackerX** · 12-28-2011, 08:12 PM

	Originally Posted by Bisclavret To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	Consequently, its too risky to use alcohol and or any other chemical disinfectant.

It's not the "consumption" of chemicals that's the issue there (it's of little effect), it's that licking the wound isn't sanitary and can aggrevate the wound and prevent clean scar/join.

**Sk8ordude** · 12-28-2011, 08:27 PM

Trying to peroxide a cat sounds dangerous...

My dog got some sort of scrap on his head that looked like it could get infected, and I used peroxide on him and it worked out fine (however his hair in the area bleached). I have peroxided myself for years on hundreds of non-open wounds. I've never died or got an infection, but if its open dont use it. My mom was a vet tech so I guess thats what they use at the vet. Make sure its 3% if you go there.

Edit:

Using alcohol on a cat would be gnarly...

**INTJcurious** · 12-28-2011, 09:01 PM

I have used triple antibiotic ointment i e neosporin on a kittys minor cut/wound before with good results. If they lick it they'll just be getting antibiotics.

**Mogura** · 12-28-2011, 09:38 PM

	Originally Posted by Bisclavret To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	Please consult the OP.

Please consult a financial planner.

12-28-2011, 01:52 PM	#1
Bisclavret Veteran Member [62%] MBTI: INTP Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 2,502	While grooming my close to seventeen year old cat and cutting off hair knots with a pair of scissors, my mother accidently cut through its skin, leaving a "hole" exposing the pinkish tissue which lies underneath. The wound itself did not bleed, and aside from the cat's initial complaint, it does not seem to be painful for the animal. Now before anyone mentions it, going to see a vet is not an option. I don't have the financial resources at the moment. All the same, logic tells me that this wound might be susceptible to infection if left untreated, which could be cause for much concern. However, logic also tells me that "poor" treatment may be worst than no treatment at all. For those having encountered and or experienced this before I ask: "should I just let it be and expect it to heal itself? Besides saline solutions (which I have dabbed on the cat already), what other home remedies are regularly used on felines for skin wounds?" Any informed advice would be greatly appreciated.
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12-28-2011, 01:57 PM	#2
MrControll Member [17%] MBTI: INTJ Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 719	If there isn't any blood, then there will probably just be a mild scab or something like that. Yes, an infection is still a concern, but for the time being, just keep an eye on things. I'm not sure what to do if you can't see a vet...
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12-28-2011, 01:57 PM	#3
RBM Core Member [162%] MBTI: INTJ Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 6,483	Peroxide as I recall is an effective infection deterrent ( confirm/deny with online research). Depending on whether the cat is indoor or outdoor and other general activity variriables it should be healed in a few days. In addition can the cat get at the spot to lick it as that has benefits.
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12-28-2011, 02:06 PM	#4
mieu Core Member [183%] $/)^3^(\$ MBTI: xNTx Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 7,328	How deep is the wound? I tend to much smaller animals, but a tea of boiled thyme is recommended for wound care (on a bandage), and I've never had an infected wound in my animals. It's a natural antiseptic, and you don't have to worry if your cat licks it. Scratch that--a preliminary Googling suggests that thyme is toxic to cats. Picky buggers. Some say it's okay in small amounts, others say avoid 'thyme oil' which is much more concentrated than thyme boiled in water.
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12-28-2011, 02:16 PM	#6
PlatinumBlack New Member [01%] MBTI: INxJ Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 68	Take it to the vet and leave it. See if they can give it up for adoption. But they can't turn it away.
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12-28-2011, 02:18 PM	#8
RBM Core Member [162%] MBTI: INTJ Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 6,483	Ahhh, thanks for the correction, plot. My memory was shaky and it was alcohol I had in mind.
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12-28-2011, 02:49 PM	#12
Megalomania Veteran Member [80%] MBTI: INTJ Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 3,212	It'll be fine just disinfect it regularly and try to keep it clean.
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12-28-2011, 03:15 PM	#14
greasemonkey Member [02%] MBTI: INTJ Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 91	The trouble with cats is that their tounges are very abrasive, if the wound starts itching,it may lick it, which will irritate the wound, which the cat may lick further. Thats why the vets put cones around the heads of animals that have had operations. See what happens. It may heal up with no problem. A vet may well have an antiseptic spray, that may have a soothing quality, for very little money. I dont know what country your in or what your situation is, but an agricultural vet is likely to be far cheaper than a pet and small animal vet.
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12-28-2011, 04:52 PM	#17
Mogura Core Member [175%] MBTI: INFJ Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 7,030	Take your cat to the vet. Animals feel pain just the same as you...
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12-28-2011, 04:52 PM	#18
titi monkey Member [26%] MBTI: INTJ Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 1,071	Salve, fit for man or beast.
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12-28-2011, 05:02 PM	#19
Warrior Core Member [227%] MBTI: INTJ Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 9,083	If it wasn't bleeding, isn't beeding, and the cat doesn't seem to be bothered by it, I'd say leave it alone. Of all the animals I have dealt with, cats seem be the ones that heal the best.
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12-28-2011, 05:06 PM	#20
HackerX Core Member [166%] MBTI: INTP Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 6,665	Plot's advice is what you should be following. Regular disinfection (alcohol (e.g. isopropanol) or some other disinfectant (dettol etc)) and a collar to stop it licking the wound. It's really not much different to any other animal (humans included). Salt water and Sodium Bicarbonate isn't bad, but not really good enough. It's a risk. Still need to avoid the cat licking the wound. If it's deep enough to require stitches though, suck it up and take it to a vet. You own the animal and should be responsible for it. And yes, when doing it, hold on tight and get ready for a really pissed off cat. Welding gloves are good. <- Experience. There's no nice way of doing it.
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12-28-2011, 08:27 PM	#23
Sk8ordude Veteran Member [59%] MBTI: INTJ Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 2,385	Trying to peroxide a cat sounds dangerous... My dog got some sort of scrap on his head that looked like it could get infected, and I used peroxide on him and it worked out fine (however his hair in the area bleached). I have peroxided myself for years on hundreds of non-open wounds. I've never died or got an infection, but if its open dont use it. My mom was a vet tech so I guess thats what they use at the vet. Make sure its 3% if you go there. Edit: Using alcohol on a cat would be gnarly...
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12-28-2011, 09:01 PM	#24
INTJcurious Member [02%] MBTI: ISTJ Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 94	I have used triple antibiotic ointment i e neosporin on a kittys minor cut/wound before with good results. If they lick it they'll just be getting antibiotics.
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