Cat Dermatitis with Pus: Treatment & Medications

Cat dermatitis can arise from a variety of causes, including injuries, parasitic bites, allergies, bacterial infections, and fungal infections. Common symptoms of dermatitis include itching, swelling, papules, blisters, exudation, scabs, and dandruff. Treatment should focus on eliminating the cause, antiinflammatory measures, and symptomatic relief.

How to Diagnose the Cause of Cat Dermatitis?

When a cat's dermatitis becomes purulent, it often indicates a bacterial infection, such as Staphylococcus or Streptococcus, among other purulent bacteria.

However, we cannot definitively determine if there is a mixed infection with fungi, mange mites, or demodex mites at the affected site. Therefore, it is crucial to visit a veterinary clinic immediately for a skin scraping test to identify the specific pathogen when such symptoms appear.

Identifying the exact cause of the dermatitis is vital before treatment, as different causes require different treatment approaches.

How to Handle Cat Dermatitis After It Has Become Purulent?

Generally, veterinarians will provide appropriate treatment and advice based on the cause and severity of the cat's dermatitis, and in some cases, hospitalization may be necessary.

In the event that pet owners cannot seek medical attention promptly, they can consider the following steps:

Trim the fur around the affected area of the cat, then rinse the purulent area with hydrogen peroxide to remove inflammatory secretions and keep the wound clean and hygienic.

Fit the cat with an Elizabethan collar to prevent it from licking the wound, as this can hinder treatment and potentially worsen skin erosion and infection.

Apply an antiseptic and antiinflammatory pet skin spray, such as Pipute Skin Spray or Fu'ant (Zinc Oxide Ointment), to the affected area. If these are not available, you can use mupirocin ointment or other antibiotic ointments, applying them three times a day.

Administer Esuda (cefadroxil tablets) or amoxicillin clavulanate potassium orally, once to twice a day (depending on the concentration and instructions), to control skin infections.

If parasitic infections are a possibility, ensure regular deworming for your cat. For routine deworming, choose a broadspectrum dewormer like Dipai (pyriproxyfen moxidectin drops), which can kill and prevent 12 types of internal and external parasites, including fleas, lice, ticks, mites, roundworms, and tapeworms.

Important Notes

Thoroughly disinfect the cat's living environment and any items it has come into contact with to maintain a clean and dry environment, reducing the growth of bacteria and infection.

Supplement your cat with Bcomplex vitamins, lecithin, and omega3 unsaturated fatty acids to aid in skin repair.

In multicat households, it is advisable to isolate the affected cat to prevent crossinfection.

Lastly, consistently use the medication and monitor your cat's skin recovery. If there is an improvement in the condition, continue the medication until complete recovery. If there is no improvement or the condition recurs, consider the possibility of allergies, fungal infections, or other underlying causes, and seek medical attention promptly.