Cat fight wound advice.

[Dandelionplease]

Re-posted from the cat-litter for traffic

Hi all, I’m looking for some advice. What would you say the treatment is for cat bite and scratch wounds?

Last night my Tom cat was in a fight. He’s been in a fight before and they shaved his fur where the bites were and we had to bathe it with salt water. He was also given antibiotics.

This time, I took him today and they gave him antibiotics but didn’t shave him, as they said he was too stressed and no need to bathe him.

I don’t understand this, as he was bleeding from the wounds.

Should I go back and insist that he gets shaved?

I’d just keep an eye on him and only take him back if he runs a temperature or there’s swelling or a discharge of pus from the wounds.
He will groom himself and keep the area clean if you leave him to get on with it.

My last cat was a bit of a brawler and he was never shaved or washed by the vet. Once the antibiotics were given we were always advised to just leave it. Cats heal remarkably quickly! I’d only go back if it shows signs of infection. You could also keep him indoors until it’s scabbed over. If your cat is genuinely a Tom then neutering night help with the fighting.
Hope he gets better soon

I think if it was very recent and there’s no sign of infection, then precautionary antibiotics and monitoring sounds sensible.

And when he’s better get the Tom neutered to reduce fighting.

You would only need to shave and clean if it's turned into an abscess, usually happens a few days after a bite. The antibiotics alone will do the job.

Great thanks so much everyone.

Just in case it makes any difference I also need to say that he was bleeding with the bites and in a lot of pain. He was shaking bless him.

Size and the amount of bleeding doesn’t always dictate how serious wounds are. A tiny puncture wound might not be anything other than a bit sore at first, but needs a high level of care and treatment to prevent it becoming really serious. Whereas great big bleeding cuts that really are painful straightaway, might only need a few precautions.

I’ve had completely wasted journeys to the vets with what appears to be seriously nasty wounds, and it’s me that has ended up needing stitches!

Thankyou.