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My cat's paw is swollen and painful, but I see no wound. What's wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 11 months old | 8 lbs

My cats paw is enlarged ( just his front right paw) without any signs of a wound or object embedded... He is in bed almost all day and sleeping cause of the pain or cause he cant walk on his enlarged paw.. he is eating ( very little compared to normal) , sometimes grooming and when he needs to pee or poop he asks to go outside and as soon as he is finished he comes back in. His front left paw was enlarged a month a go cause of a wound but i fixed that and that paw is perfectly fine now..

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 17th, 2017

He could have an infection from a bite wound. The bite may not be visible unless the leg is shave. The wound may need to be opened, drained, flushed, and treated with antibiotics. Have him examined by a vet to determine the cause and treat the problem.

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 7th, 2017

    This may be caused by a rattle snake bite, cat or rodent bite, an abscess or insect bite. He may also have a fracture in his paw. This is very painful and needs to be seen by a veterinarian. The swelling can impair blood flow to the paw, which could cause further damage. Please take him to a vet for an exam right away.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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