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My kitten's paw is swollen and limping. Is an emergency vet needed?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 1.9 lbs

We have a 11 week kitten I was closing our closet door when she snuck in and I got her paw it it swollen and she is limping, we can touch it and bend it she is not crying or whining my question is should we take her to the emergency vet or can it wait till her vet opens in the morning

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 24th, 2018

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. If you are able to get to a veterinarian right now, I would do so. Waiting until the morning would mean that she is in a lot of pain until then. If you get her seen right now, she can receive appropriate pain medication to help relieve this discomfort. This may be a fractured bone and not having any pain medications until the morning would mean that she is in extreme discomfort until then. I would recommend having her seen as soon as possible so that she is not in pain. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any further questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

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    Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 27th, 2017

    Poor Dawn! I agree - her paw does look a bit swollen in the pictures. Swelling and limping could be caused by fractures or soft tissue injuries (to muscles, tendons, or ligaments). Both limping and the signs of pain that she is showing you should be addressed, even though she is still playful. Limping and pain alone are enough of a problem to warrant a vet visit. The vet will be able to examine Dawn and take x-rays, if needed. From there, the vet will recommend the best course of treatment (i.e. splints, surgery, or rest) and pain medication. Do not give her any human pain medications, as all are toxic to cats and can be fatal. Until you get to the vet, keep her confined to a dog crate or small room to prevent her from running, jumping, or playing as much as possible. Overexertion could worsen any existing injury or fracture. I hope this helps and that Dawn is feeling better soon!

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 24th, 2020

    Poor Godai! Her paw is quite swollen. Limping means she is in pain, and unfortunately there are no OTC pain medications you can give her. Many human ones are toxic to cats, and are fatal if given. You need to have her seen by a vet immediately for this, as this cannot be treated at home. Please take her into a vet now. Best of luck.

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