Swollen Cat Paws

by | May 10, 2019 | Ask A Vet, Skin Issues | 0 comments

by Catherine

Swollen Cat Paws

Swollen Cat Paws

Last week my cat left for 3 days. When he returned his right front paw was very swollen. No wound, thorns, blood or punctures that I could see.

It has been three days now, still swollen and maybe my imagination but his other front paw looks bigger than normal now too, but not as huge as the right one.

He is eating and drinking and going to the bathroom without difficulty. Hobbles slowly but does put some weight on the right paw.

He had a fight with another cat 2 months ago and had a wound but it seemed to heal nicely.

I can handle the swollen cat paws but he isn’t too happy about them. I flexed the wrist area, seemed normal….what do I know?

Did he get his feet run over or is it a sickness?

He is a fixed 8 year old male outside cat.

Thank you.
Catherine

Comments for Swollen Cat Paws

Apr 06, 2013My Online Vet Response for: Swollen Cat Paws
by: Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

Hi Catherine,
From the photo you sent it appears there is a wound on his Left front ‘wrist’ (lateral carpus) area, and even though I do not see a wound on his Right front foot, (from the photo), I am very suspicious that his swollen feet are caused by a cat fight.

At 8 years of age, he should not be let outside. Especially, since you mentioned that he has been in a cat fight previously. It is too dangerous. Outside cats do not live as long as indoor cats. They are exposed to not only feline infectious diseases, such as FIV, (feline AIDS), FeLV, (feline Leukemia), and toxoplasmosis, but trauma from cat fights, hit by a car or attacked by a dog.

My best advice would be to take him to a veterinarian for an exam and to be treated for what I suspect are cat bite injuries.

Please keep us posted by coming back to this page and clicking the ‘click here to add your own comments’ link below.

Take care,
Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

DISCLAIMER: The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.

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