Cat Wound Care: Scratches, Bites, Punctures [Step-By-Step]

Due to a cat’s curious and playful nature, they may sometimes land themselves in accidents —leading to cuts, bites, and other kinds of wounds. Did you know that there are different wound care tips depending on the kind of wound? Read on to learn more from this vet-approved guide by Sploot Vets!

Can A Cat’s Wound Heal by Itself?

Yes, small and shallow wounds on cats can heal by themselves as long as it has been cleaned properly. It is also best that the wound is kept away from dirty surfaces or soil as it forms a scab. 

In addition, some wounds may look small but actually affect deeper layers of tissue—such as in the case of puncture wounds. These kinds of wounds need veterinary attention.

Should I Let My Cat Lick Their Wound?

It is NOT recommended to let cats lick their wound. Sploot veterinarian Dr. Deluty explains: “One of the most common sources of infection for cat wounds is the cat themselves licking the area. Cats have barbs on their tongues and a large amount of bacteria in their mouths. A common misconception is that cats can take care of their wounds—however, any amount of licking typically makes the wound worse and encourages infection.”

Dr. Deluty continues: “Furthermore, constant licking can keep their wounds exposed, or actually cause it to become larger. Therefore, it is NOT advisable to let a cat lick their wounds—especially deep wounds and puncture wounds, which have several layers of damaged tissue.”

Is Salt Water Good For Cat Wounds?

Yes, clean saltwater, otherwise known as unmedicated saline solution or normal saline for irrigation, is used in cat wound treatment. It effectively flushes away debris and contaminants from a cat’s wound. 

Once the cat’s wound is flushed clean and dry, pet parents can use a cat-friendly antibiotic spray for small wounds. 

Note: Always make sure to use products that are formulated for cats, with NO dangerous additives.

How Can I Treat My Cat's Wound At Home?

As an important note, not all cat wounds can be treated at home with saline solution and antibacterial wound sprays for cats. Deeper and larger wounds can only be given first aid while the pet parent contacts an urgent care vet or emergency vet.

Here are cat wound treatment tips for different kinds of wounds:

A. Small & Shallow Cat Wound Care (Cuts, Nicks, Abrasions)

Cat wounds are small and shallow if they stop bleeding in only a few minutes, only affect the outer layer of skin, and are less than an inch in length.

Here’s how to administer at-home cat wound treatment for small wounds:

1. Use caution and evaluate your pet’s fear and pain levels. If they are frightened or painful, consider following up immediately with a veterinarian instead of attempting wound care at home. 
2. Flush the wound clean using an oral syringe (no needle) and unmedicated saline solution OR clean water. Make sure that debris is removed from the wound.
3. Gently pat the wound dry with a clean gauze. 
4. Using another clean gauze, gently press down on the wound.
5. If the bleeding stops within a few minutes, apply a thin layer of antibiotic wound spray for cats.
6. If your cat licks the wound, repeat steps 2–3, then use an e-Cone (Elizabethan cone) or soft cone to prevent your cat from licking the wound.
7. If the wound bleeds profusely or bleeds continuously for more than a few minutes, there’s a chance that it’s deeper than it looks. Contact an urgent care veterinarian for the next steps.

B. Animal Bites & Scratch Wound Care for Cats

Scratch wounds (commonly sustained from fighting with other cats or abrasions) can produce long, moderately deep wounds. Meanwhile, animal bites are often more severe beneath the surface—as the tearing, pulling, or shaking during the bite can cause significant internal damage. 

Deep scratch wounds carry a moderately high risk of bacterial infection in cats, while bite wounds have an even greater risk of infection. 

Infection of a cat’s wound can lead to abscesses, cellulitis, cat scratch fever, and so on. Another risk is the possibility of rabies infection—especially from bites inflicted by feral dogs or cats, unvaccinated pets, or rabies reservoir species (e.g., bats, skunks, raccoons).

If your cat gets bitten or scratched, here are the steps for cat wound care or first aid:

1. Use caution and evaluate your pet’s fear and pain levels. If they are frightened or in pain, consider following up with a veterinarian instead of attempting wound care at home. 
2. Observe your cat’s breathing. If their breathing is rapid, shallow, or open mouth/panting, bring them to a veterinarian right away. 
3. If tolerated, gently pat the wound dry with a clean gauze.
4. If the wound is bleeding, apply gentle pressure using another clean gauze. This can help control the bleeding.
5. If bleeding stops or reduces within a few minutes, call an urgent care veterinarian. If the bleeding is profuse and shows no improvement, contact an emergency vet. 
6. Prepare to bring your cat to the vet for in-clinic cat wound treatment.

C. Deep Wound & Puncture Wound Care for Cats

Since more tissue is compromised in deep wounds and puncture wounds, there is a higher chance of bacterial infection. In addition, puncture wounds are known to be at high risk for abscess formation due to bacterial infection.

In addition, deep wounds and puncture wounds may lead to profuse bleeding or damage to other underlying structures

If your cat has a deep wound or a puncture wound, here are the steps for cat wound first aid:

1. Cats may panic or run away. Therefore, the first step is to gently but firmly restrain them using a towel and lay them on their side. If your pet is very fearful or painful, gently move them into a secure carrier and bring them to a veterinarian for full evaluation. 
2. Observe your cat’s breathing. If their breathing is rapid, shallow, or open mouth/panting, bring them to a veterinarian right away. 
3. The next steps vary depending on the situation:

• If the wound is punctured by a small, unbarbed object (e.g., a small thorn), it can be removed with tweezers and flushed with saline solution. If there is NO large wound or profuse bleeding, bring your cat to an urgent vet clinic for further evaluation.
• If there are larger or barbed objects lodged into the wound, do NOT pull these out without a vet’s guidance. Call an emergency vet immediately while keeping your cat reassured.
• In any situation where the cat has profuse bleeding, bring them to an emergency vet for in-clinic cat wound treatment and stabilization.
• If the deep wound affects the cat’s chest, this is likely a critical emergency that may require advanced oxygen cages or 24-hour support. In such cases, you can call us for referral to an appropriate animal hospital near Denver or Chicago; our team is available from 6 am to 10 pm (MST)

Cat Wound Treatment at Sploot Veterinary Care

Looking for cat wound treatment? Sploot Vets provides all-in-one vet care, including urgent care and emergency vet services. Our conveniently located Denver, Chicago and Colorado Springs are open 365 days a year with extended vet clinic hours. 

Our Fear Free certified medical team is here to ensure your cat’s comfort and well-being, along with top-notch care.

Take the next step to getting prompt cat wound care by calling our team!