What is this hole on my cats lower belly?

user010223

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This morning I have noticed a hole on my (outdoor) cats stomach, it looks hollow there is kinda no hair around it. She gave birth not to long ago on the 27-01-23(don't think that's part of the problem) she acts normal eats,walks around,runs No signs of pain, I can't afford the vet rn any advice?
IMG_20230201_115459.jpg
 

Alldara

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Depending on where you are located, you may be able to get help for veterinary services.

Social services in some areas you can be approved for assistance with veterinary costs.

In Canada we have the Farley Foundation for assistance with that.
 

NekoM

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This intrigued me, so I’ve hunted high and low to figure it out. There’s a lot of similar photos online and the answer has always been the same - it’s a cuterebra hole.
Look up Cuterebra hole on cat and look at the photos - warning though, it’s not pleasant.
 
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Plumeria

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Start a Gofundme, check out the below link to see if you can secure assistance, ask your vet for a payment plan, apply for CareCredit. Please do what you need to do to take this cat to the vet. She shouldn’t suffer with a hole in her body like that. I recommend choosing a vet that deals with rescues. If you’re absolutely unable to help her yourself, please find a local rescue group or independent rescuer who can assist. Post for help on local cat rescue and animal interest groups on Facebook and Nextdoor.

 

NekoM

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You mentioned she’s an outdoor cat. Is it possible to keep her inside until she gets medical help, theres a really high risk of a progressive infection. If your in the US the ASPCA/SPCA has clinics that charge around $25 for an office visit/exam.
 

Alldara

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Given NekoM NekoM 's reply, I wouldn't like to visit that page. Could you kindly explain something, without using graphic terms? Please?
The page I posted isn't graphic. 🐱 I figured people would be curious without risking looking up something graphic.

Basically it's a fly large that burrows usually in rodents but sometimes in pets and makes a hole in the skin.
 

fionasmom

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As for this being a cuterebra or warble, they do usually exit on their own after about 30 days, so theoretically this could be the hole left behind. However, I don't want to downplay them, as they can cause serious issues such a a high risk for infection and neurological problems if they get near the spinal cord. If they are removed, it should be by a vet as leaving a portion of the body behind can cause infection.

They can be found in almost any place in the world except for very cold area. Have people in your area who have pets or livestock ever mentioned having them?
 

NekoM

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Given NekoM NekoM 's reply, I wouldn't like to visit that page. Could you kindly explain something, without using graphic terms? Please?
It’s good information to know and become aware of for outdoor cats and dogs
Basically there’s a Botfly that’s a parasite. It lays its larvae in blades of grass and when a pet brushes against the blade of grass the larvae attaches itself to the pet and burrows into its skin. When it transforms into a fly it digs itself out and leaves.. Right now they’re found in most of the continental USA, southern Canada and Northeastern Mexico. At the moment they’re rare and occasionally they can get into humans.
it’s not pretty, and obviously they will become a larger problem over time. So it’s probably best to check outside cats over a little more if you live in those areas particularly if they have access to large areas of grass
 
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NekoM

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Something slightly off topic that I think is relevant is there seems to be an increase in certain types of parasites in the US.
I’m in Southern California and we’ve never had a mosquito problem, However a newer type has started to show up that fly lower and Cats are in their flight path. Certain cats are hyper allergic to their bites and it sets off that itching, scratching and fur loss cycle.
If your trying to nail down a Cat allergy, it’s an important consideration
 
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