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My kitten's leg is swollen and painful. What can I do at home?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | unspayed | 15 lbs

We have a kitten around 2 months old. She has swelling on her leg and paw and cries in pain. It is warm to touch and kinda has reddish skin color underneath and it is almost like a ball and can feel fluid underneath when touched. I cant find any open wound but saw crust near her claw, removed it and put povidone iodine. She eats and likes treats that are puree but drinks a little. We give her nutri-plus gel multivitamins. She weighs less than half a kilo. No vet near our place what can we do?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 23rd, 2019

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.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on August 9th, 2017
It may be due to another cat biting the leg if you see a hole. Swelling can also be due to a fracture of the leg.

If the hole has pus or bloody looking fluid coming from it, then it is most likely an infection and would need antibiotics. I cannot advise antibiotics without seeing the actual cat though, so you would have to start a consult with me in order for me to see if I can help you more.

The best thing you can do right now is to clean inside the hole with clean water (no soap or antiseptic). You can then bandage the leg with a roll bandage. Just don't make it too tight or the foot will swell. Flush the wound with water twice a day. This will be difficult to do, because cats hate water; so you will need help and it's best to roll the cat in a towel.

I hope that helps. Again, you can always start a consult with me if you need more help.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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