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Why is my cat's paw swollen and he won't put weight on it?
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
My cat has a swollen paw, twice the size of his other one. He is a 1yr old indoor siamese. He doesn’t seem to be in pain but keeps licking it and won’t put weight on it but can jump down when he needs to. What could it be? If the swelling isn’t down by the morning I will take him to a vet but worried in case it is serious? Or maybe just a strain? He is very clumsy for a cat!
5 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on January 18th, 2018
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.
5Pet Parents found this answer helpfulRelated Answers from Veterinarians
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on May 9th, 2020
Poor Dale! I would definitely get him into a vet asap. He won't put weight on it because it's painful and unfortunately there are no OTC pain relievers you can give him. Many human ones are toxic to cats and are fatal if given. You don't want to leave him in pain, so I would take him into a vet now. Best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident
Published on April 29th, 2018
Hi! Thanks for entrusting us with Blackie's care today! Lameness can be a sign of a few things that range from a muscle sprain to even a fracture. Knowing that his paw is swollen, this could be due to an infection of the paw or even a foreign body like a splinter stuck there causing pain. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian so that this can be further assessed which will likely include radiographs. Treatment will be dependent on findings though at the very least pain control medications can be prescribed. In the meantime, try to avoid activity as much as possible as that in itself should help. Good luck! Hoping for a speedy recovery!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on October 17th, 2018
Poor Bo! It could be that he has a foreign body between his toes, like a foxtail or grass seed, he could have an infection, or he may have broken a bone. He's telling you it's very painful for him because he won't put weight on it. I would take him into the vet first thing in the morning. The vet can diagnose what is causing this problem, and can treat him for it. Please do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. Best of luck, I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on January 29th, 2017
Poor Carl! It is very possible he has fractured the toe if there is noticeable swelling. I would recommend taking him in to your vet to have the paw x-rayed and get him on pain medication at the very least. He may also need to have the foot put on a cast until it heals properly.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful