My cat's paw is bleeding and peeled. How to treat and prevent infection?

Question

My cat climbed a fence and scratched up her two back toes on her front legs. They're both bloody but one looks like it may have peeled. I researched putting antibiotic cream on them, so I did. She has not been let outside (I would only let her roam the backyard on a leash) but I'm afraid they will become infected. My parents refuse to take her to the vet but tried to help her at home. What should I do? Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | 1 year and 4 months old

Christie Long, DVM · Accepted Answer

You can try making an Epsom salts soak (directions for dilution with warm water are on the package), which will help to cleanse the toes, and hopefully give Maki some protection against infection - but she might not tolerate it well. You can also purchase an e-collar, which will keep her from licking, as this often causes secondary infection. You can show this to your parents - if the skin is truly peeled back, it's likely that Maki is quite painful (imagine how that would feel) and needs veterinary care in order to protect the area, prevent infection, and treat the pain. You might tell them that dealing with this now, rather than later, may be less expensive, as foot injuries can easily get complicated in cats, since they use a litter box, and infection is common.

My cat's paw is bleeding and peeled. How to treat and prevent infection?

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