Skin ulcers
Cats, like other animals and humans, can suffer from skin ulcers. The wounds can be caused by a variety of things, but some common causes are from cat fights, or the cat injuring itself on glass or other sharp objects in its environment. There can also be a variety of reasons for skin sores that are not due to the cat injuring itself on anything. An example of such a cause is allergy. Sometimes skin sores can actually occur without any direct explanation!
Small, very superficial wounds can often be treated at home using chlorhexidine shampoo, while larger wounds or bites need to be treated by a vet. Sores can often be itchy and cause the cat to itch. If sores recur, spread or don't heal, consult a vet about the cause.
If your cat has a wound on its body, it is important that it does not scratch or lick the wound. If the cat does lick the wound, it increases the risk of complications such as secondary infections and delayed and prolongedThis is partly due to the bacterial flora present in the cat's oral cavity and partly due to increased friction from a licking rough tongue. Use a collar on your cat to avoid licking the wound.
If you are treating your cat for a wound at home it is important to keep an eye on the wound, if it is not healing, looks swollen, red, sore or watery take your cat to the vet for examination.
Get into the habit of regularly feeling your cat's skin and paws to detect if it has any sores on its body early on. This will help your cat get the treatment it needs sooner, before the wound is at risk of becoming infected.
