Question:
When I came home today, I thought Booster had a big piece of lint stuck on his ear, but it turned out to be CONGEALED BLOOD! A play fight with Remy gone bad, I guess?? The cats are acting normally towards each other (friendly) and Booster doesn't seem spooked. I'm not sure if it's a really, really long scratch or if part of it is just a dribble of dried blood.

I guess I should clean his ear until I can get to the vet? What should I use for that? I don't think I'll be able to get to the vet until Saturday because of my work schedule. :(





(He's using the litterbox in the second picture . . . the only place I could be sure he'd sit still for three seconds. )

Answer:
Looks like blood to me... Would he let you clean it? I'd start with warm water first- peroxide stings and might spook him...

Answer:
I couldn't find any cotton balls, so I swabbed it with folded up toilet paper and warm water. I don't think I have any peroxide in the house, but I can go buy some. Booster was unphased by the ear cleaning as long I had a steady supply of treats on hand.

Answer:
Proviodine is better than peroxide (since you're going ). It doesn't sting or kill the good cells around the wound.

IMO, if you're going to use anything papery, try paper towel or something other than toilet paper. Toilet paper falls apart way too easily and you could leave some junk in the wound.

Answer:
awe poor sweetie... it's not a good day for our furkids :( is there a cut or scratch under the dried red fur?

Answer:
I don't have paper towels either, but it's, um, extra-thick toilet paper! Is Proviodine sold in grocery stores? What kind of aisle would it be in?

Answer:
Not sure they would have it but if they do, it's probably the aisle with the shampoo and laundry detergent... You can buy it in wipes too, which would be easier since you only have toilet paper. Or you can try to buy non-stick gauze while you're there...

In a pharmacy (drug store) it would be in the first aid aisle...

Answer:
Originally Posted by technodoll
awe poor sweetie... it's not a good day for our furkids :( is there a cut or scratch under the dried red fur?

There sure is, under the whole length of it. :( I can't figure out how Remy scratched so far down the ear! If it was Remy . . . I checked all his claws and none of them have blood on them. But he could've cleaned them off . . .

Answer:
Probably a teethy scratch then.

Answer:
Looks more like a teeth scratch/bite to me.

Answer:
Well, we went to the vet today. Poor Booster, the part of the scratch near the edge of his ear had swollen up with pus. The vet drained it and disinfected his ear and gave me antibiotics for him. He also said to hold a warm washcloth against his ear . . . if Booster will let me. (The medicine smells like bananas!)

Answer:
Awww, poor Booster.

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