Cat having problems. Need information please ...

I have a bunch of barn cats. Some of them I have pretty much tamed by feeding them.

One of my favorites, a friendly soul who had kittens a couple of weeks ago, developed a huge swelling on the side of its face. After a few days, that swelling burst – probably because the cat scratched or rubbed it hard – and puss came out and the skin is raw around the neck/shoulder.

The cat is still eating and moving around and is not crying, so I assume the problem is an external one like an infection. But she's not at 100 percent.

I've tried looking up some veterinary Websites but can't find the relevant information, if it exists. Does anyone know what the problem is? What can be done (yes, I know I'll probably to take her to a vet)?

Thanks in advance for information.

if it's open and draining, it will probably heal on its own, but a trip to the vet and some antibiotics wouldn't hurt.

hooked by another cat, and it burst.

If you can get her to a vet I would do that. They'll clean it and stitch it up and give her a shot and/or give you some Amoxicillin to give her.

Problem is, she doesn't sound tame enough for any of that to happen. Can you get hold of her and at least clean it out with some hydrogen peroxide?

Cat bites and scratches are incredibly likely to get infected.

Our neighbor's crazy cat bit my arm last summer, and I had to have mega-doses of antibiotics after my entire forearm swelled up within 12 hours. Almost a year later I still have four puncture wound scars.

Your barn cat mamma probably had to defend her kittens from another cat. Does she have a secure place to keep the kittens that is easily defended? That will help keep her from getting into more fights.

to pick her up. Best of luck.

Clean it up the best you can with some warm water and peroxide (be gentle!) and try to get her to a vet. She'll feel better after it's cleaned up and thoroughly drained and she gets some antibiotics and pain medication (these things can HURT!) The vet will need to check it out to make sure that it's not secondary to an abscessed tooth or something. Hope she's feeling better soon!

The cat could heal on her own, BUT the fact that she is nursing her kittens makes veterinary care more urgent. Best to get her some antibiotics to ensure the health of her little ones. (Will a vet give antibiotics to a nursing mama cat? I assume so ...)

More info:
http://www.thepetcenter.com/sur/abcat.html

Check out this monster abscess:
http://www.vet-healthcentre.co.uk/cat_bite_abscess.htm

GROSS!!!!!!

I knew DUers would come through.

The consensus is that it's a bacterial abscess, which relieves my mind somewhat. I thought it could be worse, like a parasitic invasion.

It won't be hard bringing this nice cat in, as she's tame enough to pick up and she'll purr in my arms.

Thanks again.
Mike