A Playful Tussle, a Surprising Outcome
Sometimes, even the most innocent-seeming play sessions between pets can lead to unexpected injuries. That was the case for Gracie, a spunky indoor cat who shares her home with a fellow feline housemate.
One evening, the two were roughhousing like usual—nothing out of the ordinary. Their owner noticed a bit of flying fur and a brief scuffle, but both cats seemed to walk away just fine. No limping, no meowing, no complaints.
That is, until the next morning.
Gracie’s owner noticed she was behaving differently: sleeping more, avoiding her usual cozy spots, and perching quietly at the top of the cat tree. When she didn’t come down for her favorite snack, her owner knew something was off. When she finally climbed down, she was limping on her front right leg.
Dr. Matchinga’s Perspective: Exam
When Gracie arrived, we performed a careful and thorough examination. Her right front leg exhibited noticeable swelling and tenderness in the lower forearm (distal antebrachium). To better assess the injury while ensuring her comfort, we sedated her and identified two small puncture wounds—one on each side of the leg—consistent with bite marks. Beneath the surface, an abscess had already begun to develop.
Cat teeth are sharp and slender, resembling needles. When a cat bites, the teeth can penetrate deeply into the tissue, creating narrow but deep wounds. These punctures often close quickly on the surface, trapping dirt and bacteria beneath the skin. As bacteria multiply within this enclosed space, a painful pocket of pus forms, known as an abscess.
Teamwork and Treatment
Our team meticulously cleaned and clipped the area surrounding the wound. We thoroughly flushed the site to remove any remaining debris and reduce the risk of infection. Gracie was started on a course of antibiotics and pain medication, and we provided her owner with clear instructions on signs to watch for during her recovery at home.
Following her visit, Gracie rested comfortably and has since made a full and successful recovery.
A Quick Reminder for Cat Owners
Cat bites can be deceiving. What looks like a harmless scuffle can turn into a painful, infected wound within hours. Indoor cats aren’t immune, and abscesses can form quickly and out of sight.
If your pet suddenly starts limping, hiding, or acting “off,” don’t wait. A quick exam could save them days of discomfort—and prevent a small problem from turning into a bigger one.
We’re grateful Gracie’s owner trusted her instincts. And we’re glad we could help her get back to her old self.
Case authored by the Union Pet Hospital team with contributions from Dr. Matchinga.