Strange swelling!

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Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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Hi everyone!

I noticed this morning that my cat's face looks really odd... it's all swollen up. I've tried to take some photos to show you, but you can only really see it from a specific angle.

Strange swelling!

I live in Martinique, so my theory is that he might have been stung by an insect, but I'm not sure because it appeared so suddenly. Since it takes a while to get a vet appointment... what should I do in the meantime?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Translated from French
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4 answers
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  • Erable
    Erable Icon representing the flag French
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    That’s definitely an insect sting!!!

    I’ve pasted some info below for you (the ice pack idea might help soothe your cat).

    If your cat has been stung by a bee and the stinger is still there, you’ll need to remove it first. It’s best not to use tweezers, as you might accidentally squeeze more venom out of the sac if it's still attached. Instead, use something flat and firm, like a credit card, and gently scrape across the skin to flick the stinger out. Get someone to help you if possible, as your kitty might not be the most cooperative patient…

    To soothe a bee sting, you can apply a paste made of bicarbonate of soda and water (bee venom is acidic, so this helps neutralise it). For a wasp or hornet sting, which is alkaline, you should use a bit of vinegar or lemon juice. If the area is swollen, use an ice pack (or a bag of frozen veg): the cold will help bring the swelling down and ease the pain. No matter what caused the sting or bite (wasps, but also mosquitoes, spiders, etc.), make sure you disinfect the area.

    Some stings can look quite nasty, especially when they cause swelling, but they aren't usually serious—everything should be back to normal within a few hours. However, you need to be very careful if your pet has been stung in the mouth or throat, or if you notice swelling in those areas, as it can cause breathing difficulties. In these cases, you need to get to the vet immediately.

    The same applies if your cat has an allergic reaction or has been stung multiple times. Be on the lookout for signs like struggling to breathe, excessive drooling, dizziness, vomiting, or diarrhoea. If you see any of these, get your cat to the vet or an out-of-hours vet straight away so they can give them the right treatment.

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    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi, are you able to open his mouth without hurting him? Can you see anything on the gum or tooth?

    No, I can’t see anything on the gum or tooth. 😐 There’s a sort of small black mark on his lip, though? But it’s been there for at least a month, if not longer.

    Translated from French
    R
    Ragnar Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi, are you able to open his mouth without hurting him? Can you see anything on the gums or teeth?

    Translated from French
    Docline
    Docline Icon representing the flag French
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    It might be an abscess; they’re ever so common in cats.

    If it’s an insect bite, give him some Apis mell granules; it won’t do any harm either way.

    If it is an abscess, apply a warm compress to help it come to a head so it bursts more easily.

    Translated from French
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