What should I do if my cat has a swollen paw?

Soak the foot in warm Epsom salts water to relieve swelling. Then apply antibiotic ointment. 2. For cut or torn foot pads and broken nails, control the bleeding and treat as described in the articles First Aid for Torn Foot Pads and First Aid for Broken Nails.

Should I take my cat to the vet with a swollen paw?

Immediate Care. Once you notice a swollen foot or toe, examine it (if you can do so safely) for foreign objects, wounds, or overgrown nails. If you can safely remove any foreign object or wash a wound, do so. Then take your cat to your veterinarian.

How do you tell if a cat’s paw is sprained or broken?

Know that the symptoms of sprains and breaks are very similar:

limping.
avoiding putting any weight on the leg.
wincing.
vocalization (meowing, hissing, yowling)
hiding or avoidance behavior.
aggression or biting when you try to examine the leg.
bruising, swelling, or a noticeable lump.

Should I take my cat to the vet for limping?

Limping (lameness) in cats can be subtle or very obvious. Severe lameness needs prompt veterinary attention, as your cat is likely very uncomfortable and in need of medication to relieve pain. Do not give your cat any pain medication without consulting with a veterinarian, as some medications are toxic to cats.

Why is my cat’s paw swollen and limping?

Pododermatitis is the drastic swelling of a cat’s paw, also known as “pillow paw.” The “pillow” effect is caused by an aggressive inflammatory reaction. Pododermatitis can be triggered by numerous issues, including: Poor grooming. Infections (bacterial, fungal, or parasitic)

How do you tell if a cat’s paw is infected?

Signs and symptoms of a bacterial infection in the paws include redness, swelling, pain, itching, and drainage. Your veterinarian can prescribe oral or topical antibiotics to treat an infected paw.

How do I know if my cat’s paw is swollen?

Signs of a swollen cat paw include:

Limping.
Reduced activity.
Frequent licking or biting of the paw.
Discharge, foul odor from paw.
Heat in the paw.
Decreased appetite.

Can a cat’s broken paw heal on its own?

If you think your cat has suffered a fracture, see your vet immediately. Never assume a fracture will heal on its own.

Can a limping cat heal itself?

Cats who suffer sprained limbs should recover well from their injuries as long as they were diagnosed correctly and given prompt treatment. The limping should resolve within a few weeks and it usually isn’t necessary for the cat to be seen for a follow-up appointment, except in surgical cases.

Why would a cat suddenly start limping?

Why is my cat suddenly limping? A major injury such as tendonitis, a sprain, a dislocated joint, or a broken leg can cause limping. Limping can also be caused by certain chronic conditions, such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, lumbosacral disease, intervertebral disk disease, or cancer.

Can you soak a cat’s paw in Epsom salt?

Epsom salts: When pet wounds and swellings inevitably rear their ugly heads, Epsom salts are almost always helpful for optimal home care. As long as your pet will abide wet ministrations, Epsom salt soaks and hot packs are a great adjunct to antibiotics and surgical attention.

What will a vet do for a broken cat paw?

Your vet may recommend non-surgical treatments such as cage rest, a casts or a splint, to help your cat’s broken leg heal, but in many cases surgery will be required. If your cat’s injury is complex, a veterinary surgeon may be called in to perform the operation.

What should I do if my cat has a swollen paw? Soak the foot in warm Epsom salts water to relieve swelling. Then apply antibiotic ointment. 2. For cut or torn foot pads and broken nails, control the bleeding and treat as described in the articles First Aid for Torn Foot Pads and First Aid…