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My cat's paw is swollen and draining pus. Can it heal without a vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered

My cat has a blister-like sore on his paw. It is significantly swollen and he is not walking on it. It appears to have only bothered him since this morning, as he was walking on it about 12 hours ago. It has started to slowly drain a yellow pus. If I keep the area clean and it continues to drain, is this something that could heal on its own? I dont believe I could afford a vet visit at this time.

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jeffrey Milner

Veterinarian

Published on June 4th, 2017

Based on your description and the appearance of the paw, my suspicion is that Finley was either bitten / scratched by another animal or he suffered some sort of puncture wound from something else. If there is a yellowish exudate emanating from the effected area, there is likely a significant infection occurring that will require a systemic antibiotic to fix. I would also be concerned about a fever. You should go ahead and obtain a temperature at your house rectally. See if it is above 102.5-103.0. If so, the infection is definitely real and Finley could probably benefit from some fluids as well and an NSAID to decrease the temperature. In order to prevent any further damage to the area, the use of a collar to stop Finley from licking his paw would be great. You can make one of these at home if you don't want to buy one commercially. Anyway, I think a vet visit would be the safest bet in this case. If you decide to wait, I really think you may ultimately end up having to go anyway but with matters only worse. Hope this is helpful.

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