Urgent — same day vet contact
Same day for puncture wounds
Cat injured in or after a hunting incident
Outdoor cat with bite/scratch injuries from prey or aggression — clean superficial wounds, monitor for abscess, and book a vet visit for any puncture.
Recognise the signs
- Visible scratches or punctures
- Limping
- Hiding
- Sudden behavioural change
- Abscess developing 1-3 days later
First aid steps
- Clip fur if needed, bathe with cooled boiled water.
- Check thoroughly for hidden punctures.
- Restrict outdoor access until checked.
- Phone vet for any puncture wound.
Do NOT
- Do not assume small wounds will heal alone — punctures abscess.
- Do not give human medications.
When to phone the vet immediately
- Hot, swollen lump within days
- Lethargy, off food
- Severe bite injuries
Common causes
- Squirrel or rat bites whilst hunting
- Bird claw scratches
- Self-injury on fences whilst hunting
- Snake bites (rare in UK)
What the vet will need to know
- Type of prey or scenario
- Visible wounds
- Vaccination status
- Hunting habits
Aftercare
- Antibiotics, pain relief.
- Tetanus rare in cats — focus on bacterial infection.
Prevention
- Bell or collar to reduce hunting success.
- Indoor/supervised outdoor for serial hunters.
- Vaccination current.
Frequently asked questions
Should I worry about rat-bite fever?
Rare in UK cats. Standard wound care and antibiotics cover most concerns.
Can my cat catch toxoplasmosis from prey?
Yes — possible from rodents. Most cats clear infection asymptomatically. Pregnant women should take care with cat litter regardless.
How do I stop hunting?
Bell, two bells (more effective), bright collar (BirdsBeSafe), keeping in at dawn/dusk.