My cat's paw pad is torn. How do I clean and heal it at home?

Question

My cat got outside and came in leaving little blood prints. The bleeding stopped after a few minutes and I could see his pad on his back paw was torn. He doesn't seem in pain and is still able to walk. Just seeing what home care I should do to keep it clean so it can heal. Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 1 year and 5 months old

Ann Dion, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. A cut on the pad is a very frustrating wound as cuts on the pad often re-open over and over again. Sometimes you need to have them bandaged with the bandage replaced daily, and sometimes they are best left to heal open. What I would suggest is a visit to the vet to make sure it isn't a deep wound that will likely get infected. Also, often wounds aren't as painful right after they happen, and when the swelling starts over the next 12 hours it becomes painful. Getting to a vet to get some pain medications and possible antibiotics is recommended. An E-Collar is also very important so that Gus doesn't continually lick at it, which would result in a nasty infection as cats have nasty bacteria in their mouths. If you can get a cone and he is walking OK and the blood has stopped, you can try monitoring it, however I would keep him inside for the next couple weeks. The wound should also be cleaned with a warm salt solution, however this is best done by a vet who can explore the wound at the same time. Best of luck with Gus.

My cat's paw pad is torn. How do I clean and heal it at home?

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