Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My cat's paw is hurt. Does he need a vet or can I treat it at home?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 7 lbs

Should I take my cat to the vet for stitches? His paw is hurt and I don't know why. Looks like maybe he got caught on something. What should I do - treat at home or take him to vet?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on November 16th, 2017

Ouch! From the picture it looks like maybe a ruptured abscess and not just an injury. I would encourage you to have him seen by your veterinarian In the meantime soaking in warm water and Epsom salts maybe helpful and make him more comfortable. Best of luck and I hope he improves soon.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on September 1st, 2017
You need to clean it with fresh water, if you have a disinfection solution then you can lightly disinfect the area, then put an antibiotic cream on it and bandage the paw. you MUST take him to the vet to day to get it treated as it is badly infected.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on January 13th, 2017
You did the right thing by taking him to the vet right away, and I would follow the vet's instructions for giving him the medication. I would keep you cat inside while he is healing and not let him outside at all. That will keep him from running off and potentially missing a dose of his medication. Set up a litter box for him to use while he is indoors. It can take up to a couple of weeks for his wound to heal fully, so make sure the foot stays clean and dry, and monitor it for any signs of infection. These signs include redness, swelling, warmth to the touch, and pus. Should you see any of those signs, I would take him back into the vet for antibiotics.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on February 28th, 2019
Looks like he either stepped on something sharp or got bitten by another animal. This may heal on it's own but it may also get severely infected in which case he would need to see a vet. There is also no way to know if the bones, tendons or ligments are damaged just by looking at it.

I suggest you use a warm compress on the wound 2-3 times per day for 5 minutes if he will let you do this. This will help to draw out any infection. You can apply a thin layer of Neosporin on it afterwards although he may just lick it off.

If he goes outdoors I suggest you keep him inside until this is healed.

If you notice any of the following he needs to see a vet right away:

* not eating/drinking
* lethargy
* vomtiing
* increased swelling of the foot
* not bearing any weight on the foot.

Hope this helps. Best wishes.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

Cat's paw claw bleeding, smells, hanging off. When to see a vet?

Oh goodness, that looks like a deep infection. It could be bacterial or fungal, but I suspect more likely bacterial. He needs to see a veterinarian for an examination and treatment plan. However, in the meantime if he will allow you to soak his foot in warm water and Epsom salts that may be soothing and beneficial. Best of luck and I hope he improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat's paw is swollen and he's sleeping a lot. Vet or home care?

Since he goes outside, he could also have an abscess/infection in his paw or he may have an injury. He should definitely be examined by a vet to determine the exact cause. He may need an antibiotic or an anti-inflammatory to treat. Your vet can also take an x-ray, if needed, to help diagnose. There isn't much you can do at home until we know the exact cause of the swelling. Hope he feels better soon.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat's paw is swollen and limping with sores. What can I do at home?

It looks like Johnny has an abscess. What he really needs is to have it flushed out and get on some antibiotics. If you absolutely can’t get to the vet, you can try soaking the foot in epsom salt solution. Mix 1 tbsp epsom salt into 1/4 cup warm water and submerge the foot for 5 mins two to three times daily. You will also need to warm compress the leg at least twice daily to help drain the puss. (Use a warm wet washcloth in a plastic bag and apply moderate pressure- you want the puss to come out.) Johnny MUST stay indoors until his leg is healed. Leave the wounds open to air- do not try to bandage the leg. Also remember that pain medications for humans (Tylenol, aspirin, ibuprofen) should NEVER be given to cats as they can be very toxic. Good luck to you and Johnny!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My cat's paw is infected with pus and licking. Does it need a vet?

No, I do not think that bathing in saltwater is enough. This is a very painful abscess that really needs to bee seen by a veterinarian. Your kitty will need antibiotics and pain medicine. Sometimes this can be caused by an autoimmune disease. cancer or an injury.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My cat's paw is hurt after being missing. Should I see a vet?

Hi there. It looks like Mae ripped off her nail while she was out and about. There isn't much to do for that other than let the nail grow back. If she'll tolerate it, you can try soaking her feet in warm water with some epsom salts sprinkled in, this can be very soothing. Otherwise, I think you are fine to just monitor at home and see the vet if there are any changes. I hope that helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My cat is limping with a bleeding paw sore. Does he need a vet?

Hi, in the first picture it looks like there could be a bit of infection as the fluid seems cloudy. Looking at the second one the skin lesion looks more like podo dermatitis, an inflammation of Jeff's pad. I think it is worthy to have hm checked over, in order to get some medications and help him towards a speedy recovery. If you don't take him to see your vet, his foot will continue to get worse and every time he puts his foot down to walk he will be in a lot of pain. I think your vet will not need to run tests but just give him some medications and therefore cost should be limited. All the best and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach !

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My kitten's leg is swollen and painful. What can I do at home?

It is probably an abscess. You can try soaking the foot in warm epsom salt water for 5 minutes 3 times per day. That may help draw the infection out. Honestly though, most of the time oral antibiotics are also needed to get this to heal up completely. She definitely looks like she does not feel well so if you can eventually get her to a vet that would be really great.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share