My Cat with an Open Wound on His Neck

I wanted to share something a little different with you today.  I just want to tell you about what happened recently to my cat Rilke.  Rilke was a cat we rescued a few years ago.  He had been born wild but now is a rather spoiled cat, one of five we currently have here on our little hobby farm.

Rilke on his favorite cat tower long before this happened.

One day Rilke was not acting himself, he seemed a bit more tired but we really did not pay too much attention as cats do sleep a lot (especially in the winter when they find a nice sunny spot on the floor).

The next day he wanted to go outside, but did not come in that night.  Again this is not unusual as the weather was warm and we have lots of buildings for a cat to explore and sleep in if they want to.  The following day was a Sunday and he came running in the house and disappeared just as I was going out to check the sheep. 

It was not until Sunday afternoon that I saw him again, and noted he had a large swollen lump under his jaw.  I examined it a few times before deciding to go to the veterinarian.

My veterinarian, Dr. Davis, kept the cat for a few days, putting him on antibiotics and draining some of the swelling down.  Dr. Davis was not sure if there had been a tooth problem or what, and was concerned that the cat might need surgery.

The wound broke and a large flap of dead skin was removed, leaving a huge open wound.  There was no skin loose enough to stitch the sides of the wound together, as such it was left open.

By Friday it was determined Rilke did not need surgery and could go home.  I was given medication to give him orally (he did not like that even though it was suppose to be yummy tasting) and medication to spray on the wound 3 to 4 times a day in addition to washing it gently once or twice a day.

The spray was Vetericyn VF Wound and Skin Care.  Of course Rilke did not care for getting sprayed but then again, he was not too happy about being forced to live strictly indoors only while is wound heals.

Here are is a photo I took a few days after we got the little guy home.

As you can see, he is a very fluffy cat with lots of fur.  In addition to washing the area I also had to cut more fur off as it kept getting stuck into his wound as he loves to roll on his cat tower.

That was two weeks ago and he is healing, I will try to get another picture of him after this is all over.

If anyone is interested I will say that Vetericyn is a very good product, there are several different formulas.  They help keep the wound clean and aid healing, so far I would certainly recommend this product to anyone who has a wounded pet.  Talk to your vet, or order it online.

Click here to buy Vetericyn Wound & Infection Pump Spray Vetericyn Wound Pump Spray 8Oz

Vetericyn Wound & Infection Pump Spray Vetericyn Wound Pump Spray 8Oz VETERICYN WOUND PUMP SPRAY 4OZ   VETERICYN WOUND PUMP SPRAY 8OZ

Remember if your pet has a serious health problem please talk to a veterinarian before treating it on your own.

Also do note that cats cannot tolerate some of the medications used on humans so make sure you use medications only for cats.

How to Stop a Cat from Killing Birds

Cats are predators; they like to kill things. Cats naturally kill mice and birds. Nobody seems to mind to much when a cat kills a mouse, in fact cats are often kept as mousers, but people tend to be very upset when cats kill birds.

There are several ways a cat owner can prevent their cat from killing birds.

Preventing Outdoor Cats from Killing Songbirds

Cats that go outside are a major threat to songbirds. While some cats do not bother birds, and others are quite inept at catching them, a clever, and patient, cat can kill a bird every day that it is outside. There are several things you, as a cat owner, can do to reduce the risks of your cat catching and killing birds.

Provide your cat with a collar and bell. A clever cat will learn how to move without ringing the bell but at least it is better than nothing. Birds are good at seeing colors so try to buy a collar that is easy to see on your cat.

Click here to see Safe Cat Breakaway Collars

Do not encourage birds in your yard, do not have a bird bath or feeder that would attract them.

Build your cat an outdoor cat enclosure so when your cat is outside it is enclosed. Not only will this make it harder for your cat to catch birds, but also keeps your cat safely within your yard.

Let your cat out on a harness. Cats must be trained first for this and ideally not left tied outside without supervision.

Keep the cat indoors, or at least indoors more often.

Training Your Cat Not to Kill Pet Birds

If you have a cat and have pet birds you may be concerned about your cat going after them and killing them.

Small and flighty birds are the ones that a cat is most likely to attack. Larger birds, and those that are not as nervous, will not behave like prey and as such the cat is less likely to go after them. Large birds such as parrots can bite back if threatened.

Cats can be discouraged from attacking pet birds through consistent training. When a cat shows any interest in the bird the cat should be given a quick squirt with a water bottle. Never squirt the cat after it leaves the area as this is just tormenting the cat and it will not understand the relationship to the bird.  Until the cat is fully trained and shows no interest in your pet bird they should not be allowed together. 

Offer the cat treat rewards when in the room with the bird and is ignoring it.

Your pet bird must have a safe, and secure bird cage (one that will not tip over), just in case!

Click to see A and E Dometop Bird Cages

If you do not already have a cat, but do have a bird and are considering getting a cat, you may want to select a kitten.  Kittens are easier to train rather than a mature cat that perhaps has already enjoyed chasing birds. Or you might try to adopt a cat that has already lived with birds and is good with them.

Notes

Please note declawing does not prevent a cat from killing birds; cats kill with their teeth. Remember that cats are natural predators, to punish a cat for being a cat is unfair, a good owner would find other ways to prevent their cat from killing birds.

Other Reading

Causes of the Songbird Population Decline

Who, or What, is Killing the Songbirds?

How to Build a Cat Enclosure

Article has been republished on Full of Knowledge