Cat with sore on her head

[LinZ]

I have a question about my cat Caspurr.

She has a tendancy of itching her face and head rather hard for reasons I have yet to identify. I have ruled out allergies to her food and the tap water (contains rock salt) because she has been intaking both for a long time now with no problems. Anyway, last night I happened to notice a small sore on the back of Caspurr's head. The fur is missing on top of where it is and it appears to be the color of her skin. There is no blood, but it's slightly damp with a clear fluid (pus maybe?). I don't know what it is or how long it's been there. It's not oozing to the point where her entire head is wet, but the area it's located in is slightly damp. She does not flinch when I touch it and she does not appear to be in any pain or acting any differently than normal.

Any thoughts? Should I put something on it, like peroxide or Neosporin? Should I wash it with soap and water? It does not look infected and there isn't a lump or hole or anything there - it's basically just an area where the hair has most likely been itched off. Should I try to bandage it to keep her from scratching it?

[Traci]

LinZ, whenever you are unsure, you need to get your kitty examined by your vet. Any sore, whether it is open or not, demands a vet check. Itching and scratching are not normal, she could have something else going on that needs to be determined by your vet. Don't assume you've ruled out allergies, only your vet can determine that. Get her seen promptly please.

Btw, peroxide is not appropriate for wounds, this is an old wive's tale, it is not appropriate or effective for wounds on pets, it can actually harm tissue and prevent or delay tissue healing. Your kitty needs to see your vet.

[LinZ]

Thank you for the advice, Traci. I think she's doing okay now, though - whatever was on her head is no longer leaking. I assume it was some sort of abscess that has drained by itself and is on its way to healing.

[Traci]

You shouldn't assume it's just an abcess...even abcesses can become severely infected. It may not be an abcess at all, you need to get her examined. For example, some masses or cancerous masses can mimic an abcess, you wouldn't want that to go undetected and undiagnosed, would you?

Get her examined immediately, it's always better to play it safe!!