Cat Wound And Treatment

[Dumby]

Hi!

I have four cats, two males and two females (they are all neutered and onle one of then has been declawed). One of our females is frail and often gets attacked by the others. She got wounded, a couple of weeks ago. We're not sure, but we think it was one of those attacks.

Anyways, we let her some time to heal and there's still a mark, many weeks later. So, my question is: is it normal or should we go to the vet?

Here's pictures.

We can see that the fur is starting to grow back, but it always seems red or dirty. I don't know if it's normal and since it's been like that for a while, I'm starting to get anxious for her health.

Thanks for your help

 

[duckpond]

It is quite possible that it is infected. If it has not healed well i would get her to a vet. they may need to clean it well, and prescribe antibiotics. Normally if a cat is wounded it will start to heal, and heal right up, if its going too. If it continues to look bad then its not healing right. a vet visit is needed.
Best of luck, and do keep us updated.

 

[mrsgreenjeens]

This is as an aside, but is she the one who is declawed? Just wondering why she is the one who is often attacked by the others? Obviously this is not a good situation for her . You mentioned she is "frail". Is her health declining? What is the situation there. We might be able to help you with that whole issue if we know the background. Depending on what it is, you might get help with that problem in our Behavior Forum.

BTW, I agree with duckpond that if it's been a couple weeks she probably needs to see a Vet. It's possible she may be rubbing that area and further irritating it...difficult to say.

 

[Dumby]

Her name is Nyx and she's not declawed. She seems very healthy, about a year ago we did 600$ CAN worth of tests at a Vet because she wasn't eating and they said everything seemed fine with her.

We took that cat at a shelter about 3 years ago. She was very afraid. I guess she was beaten by her previous owner. Anyways, she can socialise with other cat and even hang with them, but, for some reason, my two other males attack her some times. I'm not sure if they play or want to dominate her even if they are neutered. These attacks are very short and, usually, she can hide in smaller spaces and there's a room only she can get in because she's small (the room where my girlfriend grows her plants and herbs for the garden).

We have another female which plays with one of our male and they fight, but they never get wounded. Nyx, however, has some clawing scars near her nose. She's often the target and we don't know why.

Seriously, if you have suggestions, we're open to change things in our household. Usually, everything is fine! I can have up to three cats on my at the same time while I play video games or watch TV. They growl at each others from time to time, but it's usually pretty calm and neat. But, some other times, Nyx get attacked and we don't know what to do about that.

So, as soon as possible, I'll schedule a visit to the Vet. Thank you.

 

[mrsgreenjeens]

OK, so she's a very timid cat, it seems. I don't know that that specifically would be reason enough for them to try to attack her or not. I don't think so. It's possible she is sick and they pick on her because of it...your next Vet visit might tell you something if she is. I would definitely tell the Vet she is being "picked on". In the meantime, maybe there is something here that might help:

How To Deal With Non-recognition Aggression In Cats

16 Top Cat Experts Share Tips For Dealing With Timid Cats

 

[Dumby]

Thank you very much! I will read that.

 

[Dumby]

Hi y'all, here's some news!

First, about the wound. The wound itself heals properly, but Nyx contracted conjunctivitis. This is probably due to stress. So, to cure that, I have an ointment.

Secondly, I tried one of the tips on the websites shared above which is to try to make my pets eat near of each other. I took canned food we kept for special occasions and split it four ways. It worked fine, that all ate together, but, even if the expiration date was for later this year, my four cats got sick. Nyx had a huge puke, Xena had diarrhea, and I've found like four other smaller vomites. Anyways, so I have to give them some powder in their food to make them eat again and help their intestines.

Thirdly, the vet suggested that we bought Feliway to help with conflicts and everything. So, I try that. Less conflicts should help with stress and lift a huge weight on Nyx.

So, all in all, I'm down $330, but it's for the best! I guess I'll see tomorrow morning if the powder had its effect.

The vet said that we seen to take good care of our cats (she took lots of time listening to me) and that we couldn't prevent the conjonctivis. So, it will heal. She said she'll call us in three weeks to see if Nyx healed properly and if the Feliway helped.

 

[duckpond]

glad to hear that you guys had a good vet visit. I know my cats will eat in the same room, but not all that close together. Just guessing there is probably 10 ft or so between each cat. Cats are normally solitary eaters, they dont naturally eat as a social group. And if there is conflict anyway i can see this as being a problem They are stressed when eating, most likely trying to eat fast, so throwing up after is kind of too be expected. It might be easier on them, and you to feed in separate rooms with wet. And i free feed dry, i keep a few smaller bowls out in different rooms, so they can eat in peace.

Hopefully the Feliway will help with the stress!

 

[Dumby]

Well, usually, we have our two males in the same room, one female in the bathroom since she's a slow eater, and the other, Nyx, in her room, but, like I said, this was a test as suggested to do in the links above to help shy cats.

Also, usually, we don't feed them wet food. It was supposed to help them socialise, but it backfired. We probably won't use wet food anymore.

 

[mrsgreenjeens]

Oh dear...so sorry that little trick backfired . I will say that what actually works well for me that I haven't specifically seen in the articles (although it goes along with the scent transferring) is to brush one cat, then immediately brush another without cleaning the brush, then go back to the first one and then the other, never cleaning the brush. This is a really good way to transfer their scents, especially if you take care to brush where their scent glands are...top of the head, cheeks, etc. In the articles on integrating cats, they suggest switching out their beds, which of course works if your cats are willing to sleep on each others beds, but if they don't it doesn't . Brushing works every time. I find it's helpful.