by Rhonda
(Montreal, Qc)

My 2 1/2 year old Himalayan had a gooey brown lump at the base of her tail, off to one side. She has an extremely full coat so I didn't notice it for a while. She hates to be groomed so its hard to be thorough. I thought she had sat on something gooey and it formed a clump.

I cut out the clump and noticed a small red sore and a 1/2" diameter raised circular sore that is red in the middle. It looks like a tiny volcano. I thought it might be from the clump pulling on her skin and I bought some soothing lotion and liquid bandaid spray.

It seems to be improving, but now after reading some of the questions in the forum, I think it might be a bite from my other cat and the brown goo is actually discharge. There is very little discharge now, if any, and she is behaving as she normally does although the sore is still red in the middle.

I will take her to the vet immediately if that is what is advised. What is your recommendation?

Dear Rhonda,

It certainly sounds as though this was a wound of some sort that became infected, whether it was from a bite from your other cat or a small mat that tore at your cat's skin. Your cat definitely needs to be examined by a veterinarian.

I would also like to note that you should never apply human soothing creams or antibiotics or liquid bandages to a cat without at least first discussing it with your veterinarian. Cats lick themselves, and you never know what may be toxic or may make your cat ill. Furthermore, cat bite wounds need to be kept open, not bandaged or sealed over, in order to prevent infections and/or to allow the wounds to drain properly.

Your cat should be examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible. She may need feline antibiotics to help clear up an infection.

Kindest regards,
Dr. Neely