Disclaimer: the information provided below is not intended to replace or override the advice of your veterinarian. Both the author and the site owner assume that this information will be used to work with your vet in planning the best treatment plan for your cat

Puncture wounds are a common injury for our cats, particularly those that are allowed access to the outdoors. Nails, branches, and other pointed objects can poke a hole in their skin, or more commonly their paws. If you notice the puncture as it happens, it's easier to deal with. Remove any splinters or other objects left in the wound. Wash the area thoroughly.

If the wound closes up right away, or is in the paw, consider giving the homeopathic remedy Hypericum. Hypericum is also helpful in avoiding tetanus. The puncture wound that will benefit from Hyper is very painful and kitty will not want you to touch the injury. This remedy will help greatly with the pain.

Another homeopathic remedy that is especially helpful for puncture wounds is Ledum palustre. It can be given after Hyper or if the area around the injury is cold.

Many times, our cats will puncture themselves and we won't notice it right away. The wound may heal over and seal closed. Only if the injury begins to abscess will we see upon inspecting the area that a puncture had occurred. Sometimes it can be very difficult to see the actual site of the puncture, so look carefully. The area may be hot, swollen or causing the cat to lick or chew at the area. To clean out the wound, try soaking the area in warm water with salt or epsom salts. Hypericum can be used for these older wounds as well, especially if the hair has fallen out around the wound. Ledum is very useful too especially if there is thick pus coming from the wound once it is soaked. Arnica montana should also be considered if there is bruising around the puncture, it's a deep puncture or it itches.

Any of these remedies can be given two times a day for a few days or until improvement is complete. Keep a close watch over the wound area for infection getting worse. Professional assistance may then be needed.

Should a puncture wound bleed excessively, apply pressure to the area until the bleeding stops. If you have trouble stopping the bleeding, get the animal to a vet for more care. Also, if the puncture is in the head or abdomen and could have reached an internal organ, please take your furfriend to see a veterinarian as quickly as possible.

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