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My outdoor cat has a swollen, injured paw. Can I give him antibiotics?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | 1 year and 5 months old | 12 lbs

Hi dear Mr./Mrs. I have a male cat living in my parking. I give him food and water. 2 days ago i saw him not using his hand.but now his hand is like a balloon with a little injured bloody water coming out that he lick it. He jumps eats and drinks like always.would you plz help me what anti biotics i can give him? He is about 1.5 yr.old. i live in iran and cant afford clinical care of him.sorry for my bad english

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on October 16th, 2017

Being an outdoor cat, it is likely he was bitten on the paw by another cat and now has developed an abscess. Legally, we are prohibited from recommending medications or providing dosing information in the absence of a physical exam. You can soak the paw in an Epsom salt solution if Gene will allow. Contact the local humane society or veterinary clinic. Either may be able to provide an antibiotic recommendation and dose based on Gene's body weight.

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    Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on February 7th, 2019

    Yes, this sounds like an abscess, or infection under the skin, which requires treatment from a veterinarian to drain it and give antibiotics in order for it to heal. Waiting to have it treated can lead to it worsening and becoming a bigger issue. Abscesses are very common in cats that go outdoors and fight with other cats or get injured when out. Keeping him indoors and having him neutered can help prevent this in the future. Keeping the area clean and dry, removing any debris, and placing an Elizabethan (cone) collar on Manolo can help but it needs to be seen ASAP by a vet. If you're having trouble affording care, this site can help give you some ideas to make it more affordable until you can get to your vet: https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/having-trouble-affording-veterinary-care

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 28th, 2019

    Hello Lidya. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. From the photos it looks like the paw is swollen from an infection. You are not likely to be able to correct this at home. She really needs to see a vet. Often the infection needs to be surgically opened to let the infection out and then oral antibiotics are needed to "cure" it. I cannot prescribe medications over the internet nor do I know what antibiotics you have available in your country. You should call the vet closest to you and ask them to tell you what to use. All I can tell you is that you can try soaking the paw in warm Epsom salt water to help draw out the infection. This needs to be done for 5 minutes three times a day. This may or may not help. The cat may or may not let you soak the foot. It is also best to keep the cat indoors until this has healed. Best wishes.

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