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

It looks like your cat’s toenail has been sheared off, probably from an injury, fight or being hit by a car. My best recommendation is to take your car to the vet where they will be able to fully clean the area around the nail, trim the nails if necessary, and give your cat an antibiotic and pain medication if needed. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

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.

Thank you for contacting PetCoach with your question about Anouk. Poor girl! Try soaking it in an Epsom salt bath, but if she won't let you, don't force it. Keep it clean and dry, and you may want to bandage it to keep dirt and litter from getting in it and getting it infected. Keep her indoors for now if she is allowed outside to protect her paw. Should you put a bandage on it, put an Ecollar on her to keep her from licking at the bandage. I will put a link below on how to make one at home, or you can buy one at a pet store. I hope this helps! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ffR-LzyW1M

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 appears as if she tore her nail. Ideally, she should be examined by your veterinarian. This injury can be quite painful. Piper may need it bandaged or protected until it heals. Antibiotics and pain management may also be indicated. If she is licking at it, place an e-collar (cone) on her until she sees the doctor.

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.

As long as it is not painful , swollen and/or does not have a purulent discharge (pus), there is no need to put an antibiotic on the wound. Of the paw swells or the toe, or if he starts to limp or bother the wound , you should take Stylo to a vet for an exam. Do not soak the paw, as this may damage the new cells that grow to heal the wound.