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Why is my cat's paw swollen and he won't put weight on it?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

My cat has a swollen paw, twice the size of his other one. He is a 1yr old indoor siamese. He doesn’t seem to be in pain but keeps licking it and won’t put weight on it but can jump down when he needs to. What could it be? If the swelling isn’t down by the morning I will take him to a vet but worried in case it is serious? Or maybe just a strain? He is very clumsy for a cat!

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 18th, 2018

Hello. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Sorry your cat is having this issue. He may not be in overt pain but he is definitely uncomfortable if he is licking the foot and not wanting to put much weight on it. It is not likely to be a sprain/strain as those don't usually swell up. The foot is either fractured (broken) or there is an infection in the foot. Sometimes the infection enters through a broken nail or a break in the skin of the foot somewhere. Until you can get him to the vet in the morning I suggest you soak the foot for 5-10 minutes in warm epsom salt water (if he will let you). You can do this every few hours. If he won't let you then just leave it alone until the vet can look at it. I don't think it is an emergency. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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5Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 9th, 2020

    Poor Dale! I would definitely get him into a vet asap. He won't put weight on it because it's painful and unfortunately there are no OTC pain relievers you can give him. Many human ones are toxic to cats and are fatal if given. You don't want to leave him in pain, so I would take him into a vet now. Best of luck.

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on April 29th, 2018

    Hi! Thanks for entrusting us with Blackie's care today! Lameness can be a sign of a few things that range from a muscle sprain to even a fracture. Knowing that his paw is swollen, this could be due to an infection of the paw or even a foreign body like a splinter stuck there causing pain. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian so that this can be further assessed which will likely include radiographs. Treatment will be dependent on findings though at the very least pain control medications can be prescribed. In the meantime, try to avoid activity as much as possible as that in itself should help. Good luck! Hoping for a speedy recovery!

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    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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