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My cat has swollen paw pads, but she isn't bothered. What's wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 3 years and 2 months old

Hi. My cat has swollen pads on one of her paws. The central darker one and one of the 'toes'. It looks as if it should be very sore but not actually bothering her.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 14th, 2017

This swelling may be caused by an injury such as a sprained or fractured paw, a foreign body lodged in the paw, an insect bite, abscess forming, or possibly an autoimmune disease (eosinophilic granuloma complex). Check the paw thoroughly for a foreign body such as a thorn or wound. If you cannot find anything or cannot remove a foreign body, then please take her to a veterinarian for an exam.

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 16th, 2018

    Poor Baby! I would be suspicious she could have been bitten by a spider or other insect or another animal, or have a foreign body like a splinter causing a reaction. I would recommend having Baby examined by her veterinarian as the area looks swollen and possibly infected.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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