If you own a cat that loves to explore the outdoors and has a high chance of encountering wildlife or other pets, they are more likely to get injured. Cats can be territorial, which means the possibility of a fight is high. Furthermore, if you live in a forested area, the likelihood of a puncture wound from a branch or stick is also more likely, and both these wounds are prone to abscesses that will require treatment.

The price of treatment and veterinary care varies depending on different factors, and abscess treatment for a cat will generally cost between $300–$2,000. In this article, we’ll break them down to help you get a better idea of the cost of cat abscess treatment.

The Importance of Treating an Abscess in Your Cat

An abscess is an infection of a particular area of your cat’s skin that usually affects the skin and the underlying tissue. It is typically caused by a puncture or bite wound that allows bacteria to enter the skin, resulting in a pus pocket beneath the skin.

It is rare for an abscess to be fatal, but the prognosis is determined by where it is on your cat’s body, how long it’s been infected, and which bacteria are present. Sometimes, the abscess may not require medication, but it must be treated to heal completely.

Otherwise, the infection can spread and cause your cat to become very sick. Untreated abscesses can also lead to antibiotic-resistant ailments. If your cat has an abscess, your veterinarian can clean the area, prescribe antibiotics, and advise you on proper home care.

How Much Does Abscess Treatment Cost?

The cost of treating an abscess in your cat can vary depending on many factors, such as the cost of diagnostic procedures, the severity of the condition, medication, location, and the clinic you choose. It can cost $300–$2,000. On the other hand, a simple procedure that drains the abscess can cost less than $150.

Diagnosing an Abscess

Your veterinarian will need to examine your cat to learn about their medical history and to see if there is a history of bites or puncture wounds. They may perform a blood chemistry test to get an overall view of your cat’s health based on their health history and physical exam.

During this test, your veterinarian will use a fine needle and a sterile swab to collect a small sample of the discharge to identify the type of bacteria.

Severity of Abscess

If your cat’s abscess is already draining, it may only need to be cleaned and possibly antibiotics. If it hasn’t, your cat may require sedation for mild surgery. Before surgery is considered, the veterinarian may suggest draining the abscess, but first, they will perform a physical exam to locate the abnormal bump.

Once located, the pus will be drawn out with a syringe to confirm the abscess. Hospitalization for a day can cost about $50 for admission. Abscess drainage and wound repair can cost around $50, but if the abscess is enormous, the cost of treatment could be as high as $200.

The treatment of an abscessed wound is performed under general anesthesia. Anesthesia typically costs around $85 for the first 30 minutes, with an additional $70 charge for each additional 30 minutes.

Your Location and Type of Clinic

Your location can play a significant role in your cat’s treatment cost. As the cost of living varies by region, so does veterinary care, especially between urban and rural areas. This is true for the type of clinic you choose to take your cat to.

Additional Costs to Anticipate

When treating an abscess on your cat, the total cost will be in addition to other factors involved in diagnosing and treating. They can be broken down into the following factors.

Consultation Fees and Lab Fees

A consultation fee is standard, no matter what the situation is. Once your vet has finished the consultation, they may need to run some tests. If surgery is required, a blood test must be done before an anesthetic is administered. A consultation fee can cost about $50.

Rabies Vaccine

If your cat’s abscess is due to a bite wound and their shots are not up to date, your vet will most likely administer a rabies vaccine. Some states also require that pets get rabies boosters if they’re bitten. A rabies vaccination can cost $20–$40. Blood tests may be required to ensure your cat has not contracted FIV or FeLV. A complete in-house bloodwork panel costs around $140.

Elizabethan Collar

Your cat may require an Elizabethan collar to prevent them from scratching and irritating the wound. They can cost $15–$25, depending on the size.

Follow Up Appointment

Your cat may need a follow-up appointment to ensure the wound is healing correctly and remove stitches if necessary. Depending on the severity of the abscess, more than one appointment may be required. A follow-up consultation can cost about $30.

Price Range for Abscess-Related Veterinary Services

How Can I Prevent Abscesses?

Cats are territorial, so fights in areas with a large population of felines are common, making bite wounds more likely. Male cats should be neutered to reduce territorial behavior, which can reduce fighting and prevent future abscesses.

If your cat spends a lot of time outside, ask your veterinarian if they should get vaccinated against FeLV. Check their body for bites and scratches regularly, and if you find a puncture wound, trim the hair around it and thoroughly wash it with warm water.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Abscess Treatment?

Most pet insurance policies cover accidents, which include bite wounds. With that comes services related to the accident, such as sutures, medication, surgery, and hospitalization. If your cat’s abscess is related to a dental condition, it is possible that your insurance won’t cover it since dental coverage is usually an add-on to your policy.

To avoid unnecessary costs, seek immediate veterinary attention for your cat if you notice any troubling signs. You might be surprised to learn that not all pet insurance companies cover exam fees for qualifying conditions, which are typically included in almost every veterinary bill, so it’s essential to check what your policy covers.

Conclusion

Abscesses can be common in cats, especially if they are outdoor cats. If your cat needs treatment for an abscess, the overall price depends on several factors. The entire process of treatment can cost $300–$2,000.

Pet insurance can be beneficial in the case of a bite wound, so it should be considered. If you do not have pet insurance, comparing quotes from different providers doesn’t hurt. If you can’t afford to pay the bill, talk to your vet about payment options they can offer to help you.

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Featured Image Credit: SofikoS, Shutterstock