My cat's claw is red and infected. What can I do without a vet?

This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics are needed to solve the problem, but disinfection can be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths (twice daily for 4-5 days). Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking.

If it's infected, it's likely painful to Tiger and she may need to be sedated in order to cut it safely. Unfortunately, there are no OTC sedatives for cats. In addition, an infection requires antibiotics to treat, which can only be gotten from a vet. In this case, I'd advise you to make her an appointment with her vet to have this treated. Best of luck.

I am so very sorry to hear about your kitty! It does appear, unfortunately, that your kitty could have an infection going on in the foot here, as the area looks swollen with purulent discharge coming from the area. Unfortunately when we have an area like this, a topical treatment is usually not going to suffice and oral or injectable antibiotics is often needed. We can see infections as a result of overgrown or ingrown toenails, wounds, foreign bodies (like a piece of splinter or grass seed) entering the skin, and sometimes we can also get fungal infections. Without seeing your kitty in person it is very hard to determine. I know you say you cannot afford a vet, but I think you will have to figure out a way to get your kitty in to see the vet. They can look more closely at the toe and the nail to try to determine the cause. They may be able to do this just by looking and feeling the area, they may want to test the discharge to check for bacteria or fungus They may need to flush the wound to be sure there isn't any object lodged there. I would recommend calling the vet's office and letting them know your situation. They may have a program called Care Credit that you can apply for to help pay your vet bills with monthly payments, or they may have another program set up similar to this. If they do not, they may be able to refer you to a low cost clinic in your area. Some Humane Society's or animal shelters have lower cost services for those in need. It is best to let your vet know up front of your financial situation so that they can choose the most stream-lined and cost effective options for you from the start.

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.

It does look like there is a bit of infection in the area which needs to be treated. You could bathe Rocky's foot in lukewarm salty water and then dry it up afterwards. You boil a couple of mugs of water and then add 2 tablespoons of salt, stir it and then leave it to cool down, once lukewarm bathe the paw. You can do this twice a day and it should help with the infection, however it is likely that Rocky needs to claw to be pulled out and the area cleaned at the vets with antibiotics administration.

If it currently bleeding you can use some corn starch to help slow the bleeding. Also if you are able to place a light bandage on it to prevent him from licking it tonight that would be good. You can also use a cone collar which you can find at your local pet store if it is still open. I would take him to your vet first thing in the morning for an exam. He may need to have it cleaned, medicated and professionally wrapped. Your vet will also be able to provide antibiotics and pain meds if need. If it is profusely bleeding then I would take him to your local emergency clinic for attention tonight. I hope this helps!

It does look like there is infection present. I would recommend having Dushka examined by a vet, he may need oral or injectable antibiotics. Until he sees the vet, you need to prevent licking. You can try socks or have him wear an e-collar.