How long can my cat with a swollen paw stay in a carrier overnight?

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.

Hello. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Sorry your cat is having this issue. He may not be in overt pain but he is definitely uncomfortable if he is licking the foot and not wanting to put much weight on it. It is not likely to be a sprain/strain as those don't usually swell up. The foot is either fractured (broken) or there is an infection in the foot. Sometimes the infection enters through a broken nail or a break in the skin of the foot somewhere. Until you can get him to the vet in the morning I suggest you soak the foot for 5-10 minutes in warm epsom salt water (if he will let you). You can do this every few hours. If he won't let you then just leave it alone until the vet can look at it. I don't think it is an emergency. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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.

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.

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. If you are able to get to a veterinarian right now, I would do so. Waiting until the morning would mean that she is in a lot of pain until then. If you get her seen right now, she can receive appropriate pain medication to help relieve this discomfort. This may be a fractured bone and not having any pain medications until the morning would mean that she is in extreme discomfort until then. I would recommend having her seen as soon as possible so that she is not in pain. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any further questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

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!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Yes, she can absolutely use her litter box. It is ok for her to be in the bathroom. However, it is important to consider using an e-collar if she is going to be left unattended to try to prevent her from licking at the incision and causing an infection or opening her incision. You can buy an e-collar from your veterinarian or at your local pet store. Good luck and have a great day!