Q. Last year our 5-year-old cat Fatty was in a tangle with a neighborhood cat, and he ended up with a wound that eventually abscessed. He was put on an antibiotic and recovered in a timely manner. We haven't allowed him outdoors since. However, he did get into a spat with our 6-month-old kitten, who either scratched or bit Fatty on the back, which caused a sore that is discharging abscess-like matter that gives off an odor. I've cleaned the wound and applied the antibiotic again. Do you think he should be taken to the vet?

A. The discharge and odor worry me, and it appears that the abscess is not healing on its own. Usually an abscess heals with simple cleaning and topical antibiotics. Even though he appears OK now, I worry that this could take a turn for the worse.

Generally systemic antibiotics are required to help clear such an abscess, especially on the back where drainage is poor. Such a wound will require a visit to the veterinarian, and I suggest sooner than later.

Take care of Fatty, and he'll never forget how you made him feel better. Get to the vet. Thank you.