My cat's paw is swollen and painful, but she's eating. What to do?

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.

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.

Poor Malie! It definitely looks swollen. Swelling like that can be caused from several things like a local infection/abscess, a soft tissue injury, bug bite and much more. You can try some benadryl twice a day (see link below) and restrict her activity (no running, jumping, or playing) to see if it improves. If it isn't improving or worsens, I would have your vet take a look at it. Your vet will be able to help determine the cause and get her started on the proper meds to help her feel better. I do not recommend to give any human anti-inflammatories as most of these are toxic to cats. I hope this helps! https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/cat /benadryl

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Isla! If she is indoor/outdoor it could be a bite wound or abscess. If she is 100% indoors it could be a foot infection or a puncture wound. You can start with taking her temperature rectally, 103 F or higher is a fever. If her temperature is normal you can wait to have her seen when your vet opens. I do think she needs the foot examined. Good luck!

I would recommend taking Breaker to a veterinarian especially if his foot has become so swollen. There could be some infection or just inflammation underneath the skin and he may need an anti-inflammatory and antibiotic even if you do not see a wound. He will also feel much better with medication. I hope Breaker feels better soon and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Most likely Festus is painful and he requires anti-inflammatory/pain relief meds and antibiotics if the swelling is caused by any cause that can bring infection in (bite wound for example). The swelling could be caused by a fracture as well, so radiographs may be needed after physical examination. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation (where you can post pictures ) if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

I'm so sorry to hear about poor Peaches. That paw does look quite swollen. It is important that she get assessed by a vet to check for fractures or dislocations, or localized infection in the foot if there was a penetrating wound (possible given the evidence of blood). If it is a soft tissue injury only, I would expect swelling to decrease over the course of 7-10 days, but a vet can prescribe pain medication to help improve her comfort and also help reduce the swelling more quickly. In the meantime, a warm compress on the area for 10 minutes twice a day may help to recirculate the swelling. I would also try to minimize her activity by not letting her jump or run in the house.