Cats Bite Wounds

Cats fights are very common. When a cat gets bitten, the bacteria from a cats mouth is injected through the skin and deep into the tissues Initially there may be little or sign of  problem but this can develop into an access or cellulitis depending on the location of the bite. The bacteria can spread via the bloodstream leading to other issues.

Many fights are related to territory and occur between entire male cats, so neutering should reduce the likeliness of these fights. However, neutered cats also fight.

Bite wounds can be bathed with antibacterial solutions.

Signs that your cat has been in a fight
Initially the cat may be off his food (usually due to a high temperature)
You may see puncture marks through the skin
The cat may betender/painful or he may be licking excessively at at that particular area

He may be warm to touch

If theist was bitten on his leg he may be lame

A couple days after the fight you may see a swelling around the bite area or later there might be(foul smelling fluid draining from the wound

Your cat may just be quiet or he may hide away

The abscess

A swelling filled with pus. 

(Pus is dead and decaying white blood cells.)

Commonest sites for abcesses

Cat bite abscesses are most often found on the face, neck and tail.

There are two types of cats, the ones that start the fights and the ones that get fought with. The location of the wound will tell you a lot about the your cat's method of fighting; the cat that runs away tends to get bitten on the tail base whereas the aggressive attacking cat will tend always to be bitten on the head, neck or forelimbs. Predators bite the neck area of prey to kill them quickly.

Treatment
If your cat is injured you should seek immediate veterinary advice. Bite wounds can be very serious and even life threatening. Some require surgical treatment (lanced and flushed to remove all the bacteria) and pain relief and antibiotics. With the correct treatment your cat should eat well and the wound heal quickly.

Antibacterial washes for wounds

• Saline is essentially a dilute salt solution, a tea spoon of salt diluted in a pint of water has antibacterial properties.
• Hibiscrub is an antibacterial wash used by vets and is available on Amazon.

If you have been bitten by a cat, then you should see a doctor urgently as the infection can become serious very quickly. It has been know for people to loose limbs due to untreated cat bite.

Modifications to an ageing cats environment Part One

It is not unusual to have a cat of 20 years and older because of advances in feline nutrition and medicine (including vaccinations). The fact that so many cats are neutered and kept in safe environments has significantly helped also.

As they age cats needs change. Older cats may have poorer hearing and sense of smell, reduced mobility and are more likely to have chronic diseases. (Dental disease, osteoarthritis, diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism and chronic renal disease ).

It is said that older cats collect diseases rather than having just one. Arthritis, kidney disease and constipation commonly occur together as do kidney disease and high blood pressure. Regular vet checks are essential for the older cat.

The signs of disease may be subtly and difficult to detect.

I believe that it is worth implementing a few changes in the older cats environment and seeing what effect this has.

There are many things that we can do in the home to help improve the quality of the lives of older cats with chronic disease.

Small changes like placement of steps/chairs close to beds and counter tops means that arthritic cats can more easily reach their favourite perches and look outs


Litter trays

A cat that normally goes outside may be afraid to do so as she gets older. Older cats are less well able to defend themselves so we should introduce litter trays to these cats as they age.

A cat needs a litter that that is longer that his body, The older cat needs an even larger tray.

A cat with kidney disease or cystitis will urinate more so there is an argument for providing deeper  litter trays, however, an older cat may have difficulty stepping up into a high sided litter tray, so for me the better solution is to offer more litter trays that are shallower and to clean them more frequently.

The location of the tray is important and the ideal location may vary as the cat ages. For example a young cast may be happy going up stairs to use a litter but an older cat may have difficulty with stairs. Older cats may feel vulnerable if the tray is in an exposed location.

It is important that the litter is not harsh (coarse) on the cats paws, alongside your cat's existing tray so that she has a more comfortable option.

Try offering several trays at a time, in different locations (away from windows) with finer-textured litter options.

Note: I would caution about making to many changes to the cats environment, for example rather that removing the tray from up stairs I would add offer an alternative tray downstairs also.

Read more about the perfect litter tray HERE.

Grooming and Nail Clipping
Arthritic, weak cats or cats with dental disease may find it difficult to groom themselves in certain areas leading to matted fur. Grooming may relax the cat, as well as removing dead skin and loose hairs.

The mistake most often made by people is using a harsh brush. Cats especially older cats are very sensitive and will resent hard bristles. I always say that if your cat enjoys being rubbed then they will enjoy grooming with a soft gentle brush that feels like they are simply being rubbed. As with anything else, start slowly, with shorts periods of brushing when your cat is relaxed.

I really like the soft, rubber tools or a grooming glove for this job.

Grooming your cat should be a positive experience for both cat and owner.

Also older cats can be at higher risks hairballs as their digestion slows, Removing loose hair means that the cat is consuming less hair and less at risk. Hairball supplements and special foods are available and are helpful in some cases

Clipping some hair/matts may also be useful. I would avoid using a scissors as it is so easy to inadvertently cut the skin. I would recommend a quieter clippers. Many are available on Amazon.


It may be helpful to clip your cats claws. Excessively long claws can cause discomfort when walking and even grow into the pad causing infections. Read more HERE. if excessively long and ingrown you will need to get a vet to clip the nails and treat the infection.

Scratching
Scratching is a natural behaviour in cats. Facilitating normal behaviour reduces stress in cats.

Arthritic cats may have difficulty with the classic vertical scratching post, horizontal “posts” offer an great alternative for cats as they age.

Accessible scratching posts are essential to allow the older cat to stretch, mark territory and avoid overgrown claws.

Treatments for Arthritis
Your vet can advise on the best treatments.

Supplements including Omega-3 fatty acid (may reduce inflammation within the joint) and prescription joint care type diets can also be helpful.

Training your cat to see handling in a positive way

Cats can be trained to see handling in a positive way. Watch this Sarah Ellis video




Sarah Ellis has co-authored an excellent book on cat training.

Train your cat to come back to you

Training your cat

Cats can be trained.

Why train your cat?
Cats enjoy training.
Training cats can improve their well-being

Do not
Shout at or punish your cat

Do
Use positive reinforcement

• to use a litter tray
• to get along with other cats
• to use a scratching post
• to have here nails cut
• to get used to the cat carrier
• to walk on a leash
• to come when called
• crate training

How to
Train your cat to view handling as a positive experience.
Train your cat to come when called
Train your cat to use the litter box

Train your cat to be comfortable with the cat carrier

Read a great book on training your cat!

My visit to the wonderful KitTea Cat Cafe in July.

While on holidays in San Fransisco during the summer, I was delighted to visit the KitTea Cat Cafe.

I had never been to a cat cafe so i didn't know what to expect.

The first thing I noticed was that tt was beautifuly clean. The cats were allowed to come and go as they pleased, We sat on the floor and waited for a cat to approach us. 

When all the cats returned from their nap, it is a quite a busy space.

The cats were relaxed, very well cared for and importantly I felt that they were respected by staff and clients alike.

The staff were great, they are obviously really interested in the cats and know a lot about each. 

I feel that much thought went into the set up. The cats enjoyed the multi level setting and a great many and variety of toys.


Some enjoyed vigorous play while others preferred to watch the proceedings from a height.

I was especially interested to hear that they they use only The Worlds Best Cat Litter.

My two favourites were Tiger and Aunty Gail. Both are looking for homes. I think its fair to say that these two represent the opposite ends of the spectrum. of cat personalities

Tiger is a young, indepeneant male, he had just had some veterinary treatment and hence the cool apparel! 

Initially he sat quietly on my lap (though just briefly) but when I  waved a teaser in front of him the hunter instantly appeared. He played and played. He really couldn't get enough excitement.

i was delighted to see that his injuries were not slowing him down!








Aunty Gail is a sweet little old lady. She really made an impression on me. She sat quietly enjoying her comfy wicker chair in the sunshine by the window away from the bulk of the activity.

She is being attended to by a vet for her own medical issues.

I hope these lovely cats find great homes.

The fabulous Cat Wheel you can see in the window was popular with several of the cats but only for sleeping on!

One reviewer suggested eating before or after your visit to the cats. I think that this is very sensible as this way you can maximise your interaction with the cats. I did not do this, I ordered a delicious soup. (Though a feline thief tried to steal my bread!)

The green tea is delicious and comes free with your reservation. I believe that they also have a reward card to earn free visits!


Also they sell some lovely cat souvenirs to remind you of your visit.

it was such a wonderful experience. I loved meeting the residents and seeing their very different personalities. It is the perfect oasis for cat lovers in the city!

In short I loved it, next time I hope to join a  Cats on Mats session, thats yoga with cats! What could be better?

My only complaint would be that one hour vanished far too quickly!

Aren't Ginny and Ron a very cute pair?

Have you been to a cat cafe?

I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences.