What's on my cat's paw? Is it an infection? 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 !

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.

Yes, I would recommend a vet check up. It might just be a skin infection that will benefit from a good clean and possibly antibiotics treatment. It is best that a vet checks it though in case there is anything caught in the paw itself that needs to be removed. Hope this helps !

Poor kitty, that looks a bit painful in the pictures. My biggest concern here is the smell you are describing. This smell could be due to infection, but without seeing her in person, I can't say for certain. I do think the best thing to do is have her seen by a vet. If the nail is infected, then the vet can prescribe pain medication. Give her vet a call now to make her an appointment. I hope this helps.

It looks like this may not be a simple infection. You should talk to your vet about a possible immune-mediated disease or a biopsy for a resistant infection or fungal infection. The vet may need to check his blood work and test for FIV/FeLV to see if there are any abnormalities which could affect healing.

You can try disinfection with different solution like hibiscrub or betadine ones. Unfortunately antibiotics seems to be needed, so I would recommend an immediate check up if disinfection is not working as infection could be a major risk. A picture of the lesion could help to determine underlying cause more specifically.

I recommend to call your vet first. If you are noticing an odor, I am concerned there is infection. Normally Mira would need to be examined but with concerns for COVID-19, your veterinarian may change their protocol. Make sure to keep Mira inside at all times and have her wear an elizabethan collar at all times to prevent licking. I hope this helps.