Conference misery::feline_v1

	I don't think she can infect herself by licking it.  Generally
	the licking promotes healing.  When one of my cats gets scratched
	by another, the main thing I worry about is 'litterbox germs' from
	the claws.  I usually put on some neosporin or bacitracin, mostly
	to make me feel better :^}

	Sandy

    I accidently cut Kelsey once when taking out a mat.  Put hydrogen
    peroxide on it periodically with a cotton ball to prevent infection. 
    If it isn't bleeding or looks deep, it is probably a superficial wound
    and will heal on it's own.  But, keep an eye on it.  Kelsey's
    eventually scabbed over and healed.  It didn't bleed, was just pink and
    sore.
    

    ouch.  In general I would be careful about people medicine on cats, as
    some can have bad effects.  I'd phone your vet and be sure whatever you
    plan to put on it isn't harmful to her if she swallows it (excuse me,
    previous repliers, if you already know your suggestions are safe.)
                                                      

    I did the same thing to my Sneakers (felt **terrible** guilt for days).
    
    I was told by one vet to keep an eye on it, and he gave me an
    antibiotic.  
    
    Well, Sneakers kept licking at it, and it kept tearing and getting
    bigger.  I panicked, and saw a different vet who suggested stitches.
    
    If the skin tears (which it will easily do - their skin is SO
    paperthin..) you may want a vet to look at it.
    
    good luck,
    Pam

if the fur is badly matted, hot spots can occur...see your vet.  you either
have a hot spot that needs treating or you need to get that cut stitched up.

			Good luck

    My friend Margaret, who is a professional groomer says that cats
    are particularly hard to shave or cut because their skin is paper
    thin.  So be extra careful cutting out matts.  
    
    I'd like to echo that warning about people medicine and cats.
    For example, Tylenol is toxic to cats.  It destroys red-blood
    cells.  Asprin is also toxic in very small amounts and should only
    be administered under the direct supervision of your vet.  Also,
    some medications have opposite effects in cats as in humans.
    
    I think that the hydrogen peroxide treatment is probably the  best.
    A small amount of neosporin is ok too if you think its necessary.
      N
    ancy DC

    The hydrogen peroxide treatment was recommended by my vet.
    Whatever you do, just *don't* cover the wound with bandage or gauze
    pad.  I've made that mistake, and you don't want to see/smell the
    consequences...Nor, pay the vet bill afterward...
    
    Good luck...
    

    I have used hydrogen peroxide sparingly on wounds with no ill affects
    and it is a great infection preventer.  When TK was a stray tom, he
    would always show up with broken abcesses which I would cleanse and
    monitor with H.P.  These were fairly small abcesses so I felt
    comfortable self-treating them.  He always seemed thankful after I
    applied it too.
    

    I think we've used Neosporin, or something similar, applied sparingly
    with supervision to make sure the cat didn't eat it.  Or maybe that was
    the dog.  You may not need anything; last time Snoopy was operated on,
    the vet gave us some goo (which literally contained snake oil--phew!)
    that was supposed to speed healing of her suture.  Well, this suture
    was on her tail, and not closed too well with stitches, and the vet put
    this sock on her tail.  After one session with removing the sock,
    Snoopy informed me that she didn't want the sock or the ointment, or I
    would need the ointment.  We compromised; no sock, but still use this
    fish-oil stuff.  Healed in about two weeks, I think--she was sixteen at
    the time.  
    
    Lisa Dean and Snoopy
    

    Thanks for the help....
    
    	I called the Vet and he said Peroxide it...watch it and it should
    heal itself.....it has gotten smaller and formed a scab over it......
    She is now leaving it alone.
    
    	I just hope my fiance doesn't try to cut her mats out without
    me there!
    
    			Janna and Nilla (happy again)

    Keep an eye on it to be sure that an infection doesn't form underneath
    as the surface is healing.  That is, if it looks swollen,like there
    might be puss forming, etc. the vet will have to drain it.