Abcesses

[Spotamus]

I'm new to this forum, but I thought I might get a little advice.

My cat is a former barn cat and is used to being outside ALL DAY. My problem is, within the last 3-4 months, he's developed 3 abcesses on different parts of his body!  I read a post here that gave advice on how to do it yourself, but I was wondering, is there any easier way to do besides taking him to the vet? I signed up for pet insurance this morning after having felt the 3rd abcess (ping-pong ball sized) on his chest.

I used to work for the vet that I take him to now, but even with the 15% discount, it's really starting to take a toll on my bank account! I'm working part time and going to school full time, so I'm pretty much working to support my cat.

Any advice on how to avoid these things?

[Marybelle]

Honestly?  The only real way is to keep him inside.  Odds are good he's getting them from getting into fights, or otherwise being injured outside.  Unfortunately, it's really the only way I can think of that you'd be able to even hope to prevent the abscesses.

It's certainly not an easy solution, especially with a cat that's used to being an outdoor cat.   

[Spotamus]

I can try, but have you ever tried to keep a bark cat inside? He squeezes out every chance he gets! Not only that, but he makes a terrible racket when we don't let him outside.

[Marybelle]

Yup.  Been there, done that.  And they're sneaky little buggers!  This is why I say it's not an easy solution.  Best of luck.  Invest in some earplugs. 

[flannel]

You may want to keep a serious eye on him for other symptoms too.  We had a cat years ago that kept getting abcesses, one in particular refused to clear up and kept coming back in the same spot.  Turns out he was in the beginning stages of diabetes and the abcesses should have been a big hint  Not saying that's your kitty's problem but it could be a symptom of a larger problem, just watch him for changes.

Good luck, abcesses suck.  Buckets of pus.....those were the days 

[Spotamus]

Well, I'm really hoping it's not anything serious....but if it is, at least I've signed up for the insurance! It just seems like every time I turn around there's my cat saying  hi! guess what?! I have something ELSE wrong w/me!!! which makes me go  not again!