Scab and lump on cat’s face

[AMistakePlusKeleven]

Hi,

I’ve just noticed an almighty scab and lump on my cat’s face. She hasn’t had an injury like this before so I’m unsure of what it could be. It doesn’t look like a fight injury to me, but she has not been in any fights before and she is our first and only cat. The round scab has a large swelling around/underneath it and the eye on that side is not as open as the other, although she occasionally has irritated eyes so this could be unrelated. She will let me touch it so I’m assuming it is not overly painful. We’ve booked into the vet tomorrow morning but does anyone have experience of a presentation like this? I am worried about the potential it could be cancer and if I should be taking her in as an emergency. She is only 5.

Need to see the vets. Could be an abscess. This is how they looked when my old cat got one. It will need draining and some antibiotics.

Probably from a cat fight and been bitten or something.

It looks like an abscess if there is a lump underneath. Is it warm? Quite common in cats if they get a scratch or bite that becomes infected. I would call the vet for advice as the swelling is affecting her eye. They may consider it an emergency as the infection could spread and he will need antibiotics.

Thank you both. I am leaning towards vets today if possible, but we have an appointment for first thing tomorrow.

It doesn’t feel warm, it’s dry and the lump is quite firm but from what I’m reading abscesses can take varying forms. Fingers crossed it is fairly straightforward. Her eye will open more than in the picture as she’s sleepy (has been for a few days, more than usual which is also a worry) but still not 100%.

It's probably been there a while if you're just noticing it. If it bursts before you see the vet clean it with salt solution.

Thanks everyone for the replies. It was an abscess which spectacularly burst overnight, she’s got painkillers from the vet but should be on the mend.

If it happens again get in early with a warm salt solution. Arthur is always getting into fights, and has had many of these. I've only had to take him to the vet once. Salt water is magic!

Ours has had a few of these - we don't treat at the vet, just clean it with Hibiscrub and monitor at home.

My cat currently has a big swelling in his cheek. I phoned the vet to see if I could take him in but they advised it was probably an abscess from fighting - there is new cat in the neighbourhood and they have been fighting - and to leave it to take its course ie burst. Does bathing with warm salt water really help it to burst?

Edited to add - I can’t see or feel a wound but I suppose it could be a puncture wound.

Thank you, it’s good to know. She is extremely timid and nervous so doesn’t often get in fights that we know of but we’ll be prepared next time!

I’d just like to report that my cat’s access has partially resolved this evening. Lots of pus and blood. There is definitely more to come but he’s disappeared out for now …. :/

I am hearing a lot of descriptions of pus on the puss but no photos.
I am glad everyones cat is ok but I am a little disappointed

Sorry, what?