Possible bug bite, not sure how to treat it

KatBudz · 07-08-2011, 12:01 AM

So today I noticed on my older cat that her bottom ''lip'' is swollen and red. It does not seem to be bothering her, and she is not scratching it but I dont know what it is. Im hoping its something as simple as a bug bite. I boiled some water and let it cool down then got cotton and held it against her chin for a few seconds at a time then cleaned it with antibacterial soap as best I could without getting the soap in her mouth then rinsing and drying it well. Is there anything else I can do? I have an ointment from my vet from when my dog had a yeast infection, and its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal. Should I try putting a bit of that on the bump or just leave it and see what happens? Iv never had to deal with this before, any advice would be great.

scottd · 07-08-2011, 12:09 AM

From what I remember, you should clean with sterile water and a tiny bit of soap. You can also use hydrogen peroxide or betadine as well as a topical antibiotic such as neosporin (not with pain relievers).

Keep in mind that topical antibiotics aren't meant to be consumed so that could be problematic given it's her lip.

I had a scare with a brown recluse a few months ago. I would advise you go ahead and make an appointment with your vet tomorrow just to be safe if it isn't gone in the morning.

my4kitties · 07-08-2011, 12:18 AM

It could also be an allergic reaction. What kind of bowls are you using to feed your cat? If it's plastic, get rid of it and switch to metal or ceramic. Plastic bowls are easily scratched and can trap bacteria, no matter how well you clean them. Either way, I'd still take your cat to the vet. He/She can prescribe an ointment more appropriate for a cat. Good luck!

KatBudz · 07-08-2011, 09:22 AM

I use metal bowls and ceramic bowls and wash them everyday. I just woke up and took a look at her chin again and it has significantly gone down in size. Its half of what it looked like last night. The reason I am asking for at home options is because she gets *very* stressed out when taken to the vet and always gets a urinary tract infection from the stress, and gets severe motion sickness in the car. I dont like taking her to the vet unless its serious so I think I will just keep an eye on it for today and keep washing it with antibacterial soap and see if it keeps improving.

07-08-2011, 12:01 AM	#1 (permalink)
KatBudz Tom Cat Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 386	Possible bug bite, not sure how to treat it So today I noticed on my older cat that her bottom ''lip'' is swollen and red. It does not seem to be bothering her, and she is not scratching it but I dont know what it is. Im hoping its something as simple as a bug bite. I boiled some water and let it cool down then got cotton and held it against her chin for a few seconds at a time then cleaned it with antibacterial soap as best I could without getting the soap in her mouth then rinsing and drying it well. Is there anything else I can do? I have an ointment from my vet from when my dog had a yeast infection, and its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal. Should I try putting a bit of that on the bump or just leave it and see what happens? Iv never had to deal with this before, any advice would be great.

07-08-2011, 12:18 AM	#3 (permalink)
my4kitties Premier Cat Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Montclair, CA, USA Posts: 4,374	It could also be an allergic reaction. What kind of bowls are you using to feed your cat? If it's plastic, get rid of it and switch to metal or ceramic. Plastic bowls are easily scratched and can trap bacteria, no matter how well you clean them. Either way, I'd still take your cat to the vet. He/She can prescribe an ointment more appropriate for a cat. Good luck! __________________ Cats are grace and beauty in feline form. RIP, my beloved Smokey. (3/23/09-01/14/11) ---------- Renée

07-08-2011, 12:09 AM	#2 (permalink)
scottd Cat Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 181	From what I remember, you should clean with sterile water and a tiny bit of soap. You can also use hydrogen peroxide or betadine as well as a topical antibiotic such as neosporin (not with pain relievers). Keep in mind that topical antibiotics aren't meant to be consumed so that could be problematic given it's her lip. I had a scare with a brown recluse a few months ago. I would advise you go ahead and make an appointment with your vet tomorrow just to be safe if it isn't gone in the morning.

07-08-2011, 09:22 AM	#4 (permalink)
KatBudz Tom Cat Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 386	I use metal bowls and ceramic bowls and wash them everyday. I just woke up and took a look at her chin again and it has significantly gone down in size. Its half of what it looked like last night. The reason I am asking for at home options is because she gets very stressed out when taken to the vet and always gets a urinary tract infection from the stress, and gets severe motion sickness in the car. I dont like taking her to the vet unless its serious so I think I will just keep an eye on it for today and keep washing it with antibacterial soap and see if it keeps improving.

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