Cuts are the wounds that heal best. Their edges are clean-cut and they most often remain relatively clean. Depending on their length, depth or location, cuts may require stitches (binding two edges of a wound using a thread).
There are different types of burns: resulting from heat, cold, electricity, chemicals or friction. It is important to keep in mind that a burn, regardless of its origin, evolves during 30 minutes after the event. This is why it must be attended as soon as possible. Depending on its severity, a burn can of course become infected but most importantly it can lead to significant general health concerns (such as respiratory issues or a state of shock). Burns by friction, also called abrasions, are generally dirty.
An abscess is the accumulation of pus in a pocket underneath the skin. It is frequently caused by narrow and deep wounds, such as a puncture wound allowing bacteria to penetrate into the tissue beneath the wound. The overlying skin closes and traps the germs, which in turn flourish. Bites, scratches, stings, and grass seeds can cause abscesses.
Wounds from licking are often hard to heal because they result from over-grooming, especially given that cats have a rough tongue! You need to find the cause. Your companion may be licking and over-grooming an area for a number of reasons: external parasties, yeast infections, fungi, pain, anxiety, etc.
