All cats, but especially outdoor cats are susceptible to minor wounds such as burns, cuts, strains, and bruises. While these types of wounds are rarely a cause for major concern, it is important to treat the wound to prevent infection and further damage.
First, make sure your cat is suffering from only a minor injury. Recent wounds can usually be identified easily, so watch for the following signs:
Also, if you did not notice the wound when it was fresh, there may already be signs of infection such as:
Regardless of the cause of your cat's wound, you should immediately treat the wound. Some cats will be resistant to treatment, so you may have no choice but to see the vet; but if your cat is cooperative, you should follow these steps:
Whenever possible, you want to use a clean dressing on your cat's wound to prevent infection. While minor cuts and abrasions may not require veterinary care, all bite wounds and more serious injuries should always be examined by your cat's veterinarian.