Dr. Dan Christian specializes in small animal medicine, with special interests in behavior and nutrition. He has been instrumental in establishing animal behavior residencies for veterinarians at leading veterinary schools and developing innovative programs with veterinary organizations in the United States. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Animal Hospital Association, and the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association. During his professional career, Dr. Christian earned the American Association of Feline Practitioners Award. He has also appeared as a guest on television and radio pet health programs nationwide, and to has authored numerous articles for pet health magazines.

Q: What can I use on my cats when they get scratches that do not require a vet visit?

A: Whether it's a result of rough play, or the fact that one of our cats may just be having a really bad day and feeling defensive (or aggressive), we all have to deal with the marks of a mild abrasion or battle wound in our cats. The difference between a mild abrasion and a deep puncture can be great, though both may appear very benign on the surface. Even a single puncture from a claw can result in a severe abscess, causing high fever, lack of appetite and even major soft tissue damage. If you notice that one of your cats has been scratched, no matter how mildly, be sure and clean the area with hydrogen peroxide on a cotton ball. Clipping the hair from the scratch will also help you monitor for any swelling. Topical antibacterial ointments that you may have at home may also be applied, such as Neosporin or triple antibiotic ointment.

If there is any swelling or tenderness present (a sign that an abscess may be forming), you'll probably need to pay a quick visit to your veterinarian so that he or she can open and drain the wound before the infection does too much harm. And of course, antibiotics will then need to be prescribed.

Cat scratches often lead to infection, so even if you do not see the scratch take place but you notice that your cat stops eating and sleeps more than usual, you may be dealing with an abscess that you cannot see yet. The areas to check for are the neck and face if there was a frontal assault, or the tail area if your cat was on the run from the aggressor. The trick is to catch the infection early with good medical treatment and avoid the pain and discomfort of a bigger problem.