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Why is my cat's face and paw swollen and itchy after being in heat?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 8 months and 11 days old

My 8 month old cat had a swollen cheek, jaw and throat, but only on her right side. The swelling went down the next day but reappeard on her left side. That swelling went down aswell but now one of her paws is huge. She itches the areas a lot. She's also cleaning herself a lot more. It doesn't seem to hurt. I can't see any wound. She was in heat when this started. She eats without problem, drinks, pees, poops and she's just as happy and playful like always. what's going on?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 12th, 2018

Based on what you are describing I would be concerned about a catfight wound that has caused abscesses. Often times if one cat bites another the wounds become infected and form large swellings. These can be painful and require antibiotics to heal.

Your cat may have been injured since she is in heat by a male cat trying to mate with her.

I would recommend taking your cat into the vet to be checked out to make sure there is no infection going on.

If it is not infection causing the swelling then she may be having an allergic reaction to something, like a insect bite or sting.

If the symptoms have lasted more than 72 hours you will need to take her to the vet to be examined.

I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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