My cat has flaky, red, puffy growth around his claw. What is it?

Hello, and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It’s difficult to tell for sure what’s going on without examining Timmy myself, but from the appearance of that discharge in the photo I’m concerned Timmy may have an infection in that nail bed. This could happen after trauma, or if he punctured his foot on something sharp. I recommend having Timmy seen by a vet, as he may need a course of antibiotics. It’s also possible he has a mass growing on that toe, but that would be considered less likely at his young age. I hope this helps!

Some cats will get this around their nail bed. It's a buildup of skin cells, dust and dirt. If he will let you, you can clean the nail by soaking his foot in warm water and using a soft brush to remove the gunk. If the nail bed is reddened and inflamed, it's a good idea to get him seen by your vet as he may need antibiotics to help him clear it up.

The area looks red and swollen and I'm concerned the area may be infected. It could there is a foreign body in there causing the infection, Mochi may have injured herself, or it could be a growth but not too likely in a kitten her age. Without seeing her in person, I can't say for certain. You need to have her seen by a vet to have this diagnosed and treated. I'd see if you can take her into a vet this weekend, or Monday. Best of luck.

Please keep in mind that without seeing Eartha in person I can't say this for sure, but I'm wondering if what you are seeing is part of her bone. It may be that she injured the area leading to opening of the skin and the bone sticking out. The claw doesn't grow back when it's removed, but it could be that all of the claw wasn't removed properly and that's what you are seeing. The pus indicates it's infected. I would have her seen by a vet for this as soon as possible. She will need antibiotics for the infection, and the vet can diagnose exactly what you are seeing and how best to treat it. Keep her foot as clean and dry as possible until you see a vet, and put an Ecollar on her to keep her from licking her food (I will put a link below on how to make one at home). Don't squeeze it again, and keep her indoors if she is allowed outside. You might want to tape a sock over her foot to keep litter from getting into the area. I hope this helps! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ffR-LzyW1M

HI, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I have seen some cats develop long horny type growths on their paw pads. Possible causes are: papilloma or squamous cell carcinoma in situ (Bowen's disease), both caused by papillomavirus. Excision or treatment with imiquimod, retioid cream, or salicylic acid should be effective. If it doesn't bother Spooky, it most likely won't hurt to leave it alone (unless it becomes more malignant in behavior). It could also be benign hyperkertinized growths. They may need to be managed with sanding dows and or clipping regularly. You can also try Kerasol which is OTC or Snout Soother by American Dog co to help keep them soft. You can apply this 1-2 times daily. It may be best to have your Vet see the area first! Good luck

It could be a bacterial or fungal infection around the nail, nail bed or paw pad. A close physical exam would be needed for a definitive diagnosis. See your veterinarian in the morning. If Cosmo is licking or chewing, place an e-collar (cone) on him until he sees the doctor.

I would recommend taking Tiny to a local vet to have the nail beds examined closer. It is possible for cats to get flea dirt or even fungal disease around there nail bed. Your vet might need to take a sample and look under a microscope to determine the cause and help provide proper treatment. I hope that helps