My cat's paw is hurt. Does he need a vet or can I treat it at home?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 7 lbs
Should I take my cat to the vet for stitches? His paw is hurt and I don't know why. Looks like maybe he got caught on something. What should I do - treat at home or take him to vet?
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on November 16th, 2017
Ouch! From the picture it looks like maybe a ruptured abscess and not just an injury. I would encourage you to have him seen by your veterinarian In the meantime soaking in warm water and Epsom salts maybe helpful and make him more comfortable. Best of luck and I hope he improves soon.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on September 1st, 2017
You need to clean it with fresh water, if you have a disinfection solution then you can lightly disinfect the area, then put an antibiotic cream on it and bandage the paw. you MUST take him to the vet to day to get it treated as it is badly infected.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on January 13th, 2017
You did the right thing by taking him to the vet right away, and I would follow the vet's instructions for giving him the medication. I would keep you cat inside while he is healing and not let him outside at all. That will keep him from running off and potentially missing a dose of his medication. Set up a litter box for him to use while he is indoors. It can take up to a couple of weeks for his wound to heal fully, so make sure the foot stays clean and dry, and monitor it for any signs of infection. These signs include redness, swelling, warmth to the touch, and pus. Should you see any of those signs, I would take him back into the vet for antibiotics.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on February 28th, 2019
Looks like he either stepped on something sharp or got bitten by another animal. This may heal on it's own but it may also get severely infected in which case he would need to see a vet. There is also no way to know if the bones, tendons or ligments are damaged just by looking at it. I suggest you use a warm compress on the wound 2-3 times per day for 5 minutes if he will let you do this. This will help to draw out any infection. You can apply a thin layer of Neosporin on it afterwards although he may just lick it off. If he goes outdoors I suggest you keep him inside until this is healed. If you notice any of the following he needs to see a vet right away: * not eating/drinking * lethargy * vomtiing * increased swelling of the foot * not bearing any weight on the foot. Hope this helps. Best wishes.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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