How to treat a cat with a bite wound?

Question

My cat is an outside cat and she is very old (about 15). She was on our porch eating and was attacked and bitten and carried to the neighbors yard by a dog yesterday and sustained an injury to her leg. I have been able to spot three bite wounds. Two on her leg (one on the inside near where her armpit would be and one on the outside) and one near her shoulder. I have put triple anti-biotic ointment on all of them and bandaged two of them (I cannot get a bandage on the wound located on her shoulder. The one in her armpit earlier tonight was bleeding pretty badly but I cleaned it with peroxide and think it may have helped. I was able to put a bandage on it but now she won't let me look at it to check it. I also have a splint on her leg to keep it straight to hopefully take some pain away. My question is what can I do to help these woulds heal quicker (I don't think they are infected, no fluid is coming out) and she has been very inactive since the incident. I assumed if she had internal injuries there would be a sign by now so is it just that she's very sore and wants to rest (considering she's 15) or could it be a sign of internal injuries?

Answer 1

A trip to the vet will not necessarily cost that much.  If you love your cat but are concerned about the cost of a vet trip, call the vet in the morning and ask about options, either with them or someone else.  Ask also about clinics in your area.

Imagine getting mauled by something big enough to carry you in its mouth - a large tiger or great white shark.  

She's in great pain and she needs a doctor as soon as possible.  

(don't give her aspirin - cats can't take human painkillers, they are poisonous to them)

Answer 2

Well my cat also had wounds but i think they were much deeper, if your cat starts to have fluids you need to go to vets because you might have to sew them my cat had to because he kept l*****g it and it bled more and more.  We were trying to do the same thing like you but it didn't get better at all.  If she got carried by a dog she must have really big wounds so just spend the money and if you wanna know if she has internal injuries is to go to the vet. i highly recommend.

Answer 3

time will tell make her comfortable and 15 is not all that old for a healthy cat I have had 3 cats live past 22yo. keep an eye on haw much she drinks if she isn't drinking she need to

and I don't think you need to call the cops and put more stress in your and your neighbors life.  I would only go to the vet if you don't have time to care for her. keep an eye on her and if she drink and eats a little that is a great sign. cats are very sturdy and heal well that is why they are professed to have 9 lives.

At this point I know that I am sounding like a heartless ogre.  But... If the bleeding is stopped and she is drinking fluids and eating a little.  I would keep up with the anti-bacterial ointment. I know what its like to be pressured to go to the vet when you just don't have the $$ so don't even think that if you don't take the cat to the vet you are an Ogre like me. It is obvious to me you love your cat very much and I am sure she will heal so long as she is still drinking and l*****g her self.  If she worsen or quits taking care of her self then deside

Answer 4

Bite wounds can be very serious because of infection. Even if the wound does not look infected it can be. One of my cats had a bite on her leg. I didn't know until I returned from work to find her sleeping in the same spot she had been that morning. She was unable to stand from the infection. If there is infection, it can spread fast. Vet bills are expensive, but I dont think it would cost $250. Maybe you can make payment arrangements. Do you know the owner of the dog? They should be paying the bill. I hope your kitty is ok.

Answer 5

my first thought is if she has a limp. If so, then her leg might be hurt. If not, considering your cat's age, she may be distressed as some old cats get (they sometimes are prone to meowing a lot) and either needs a rest or maybe retiring from being active and settling into...

I had a cat who shattered her lower frame in the in workings of a car. She healed but her growth was permanetly stunned. When animals get attacked by bigger ones, internal injures are likely. However, cats can fix themselves well with little help sometimes. The cat I had lived lively and happily after her accident. Maybe your cat is instintively helping herself by resting up and allowing herself to heal.

Because I'm a worrier, you should get a check up on her with a vet. Also, be aware if she starts to wander off and hide and/or not eat, a serious problem may be rearing its ugly head. Take care.

Answer 6

It is spelled veterinarian and is pronounced the same way. This animal requires professional attention. And the neighbours dog needs to be reported to the authorities. In most jurisdictions it's against the law to not report an animal attack.

Answer 7

You need to bring that poor cat inside where she will be safe and keep up on the triple antibiotic ointment...please bring her in next time it could be worse