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My cat's paw is swollen after being outside. Does she need a vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 5 lbs

My cats right paw is swollen after she came from outside. My mom won’t take her to the vet, what do I do!!

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on October 7th, 2017

Poor Whisk! Her paw could be swollen because she injured it outside, she has an infection in the paw, or a foreign body. You can try soaking the paw in the Epsom salt bath to see if that helps the swelling, but if it doesn't, she does need to see a vet. Tell your mom you received free advice from a vet who says that it would be best for Whisk to see a vet for this problem. Keep her indoors until she sees the vet so she doesn't hurt the paw further. I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on April 28th, 2017

    If you can't find the kittens right away and the swelling continues to worsen, it is best to seek veterinary care first- the kittens should be OK for a bit on their own, or you can have someone continue to look for them while she receives care.

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    Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 2nd, 2017

    Hello, & thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Poor Oto. He was bitten, probably by another cat, & now his foot is infected. There is really not very much you can do for him, except getting him seen as soon as possible. The foot may need to be lanced, but at the very least, he needs antibiotics, & a cat appropriate pain medication. You can try soaking the foot in very warm water with some betadine & Epsom salts, but do not get bit if he objects. Do not give him any human type pain medications, these can make him very sick. He should be fine if it takes another day to have him seen by your veterinarian. Take care.

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    Answered By Makenzie Kurth, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 23rd, 2018

    I’m sorry to hear about Whisk! This could be a bite, sting, broken bone or other. If you can get to a vet today, that would be great to get Whisk checked out and get any treatments needed. If you can’t get there today, ice the paw for 5-10 minutes every 2-6 hours to help with swelling and pain until you can get in to see the vet. If at any time the swelling is getting much worse or other area of the body are swelling (especially the face/neck), Whisk needs to get to an emergency vet clinic as this could be signs of a serious allergic reaction. Your vet may recommend x-rays to see if there is a broken bone. Do NOT under any circumstances give human pain medications as most of these can be very toxic to cats. Best of luck to you and Whisk!

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