My cat has a swollen paw abscess. Should it be drained or helped at home?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 1 year and 4 months old
When I went to the vet, they told me my cat had an abscess on his paw pad and gave me ointment and oral treatment. His paw pad is very swollen and entered, with no nigns of going down. Were they supposed to drain it. Can I help speed the process of natural drainage at home?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on June 27th, 2019
Hello. Sometimes draining is appropriate, sometimes not, so I would guess your vet did not think it was a good idea to open this up. With time, the antibiotics should work, but it may take several days. If Shade will allow you to apply a warm compress, or soak the paw in comfortably warm water, this should help with the swelling. 5-10 minutes 2-3 times a day should be adequate. If the paw is not showing signs of improvement in 72 hours please check back with your vet to reassess what might be ongoing with Shade's paw. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
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Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on October 16th, 2017
Being an outdoor cat, it is likely he was bitten on the paw by another cat and now has developed an abscess. Legally, we are prohibited from recommending medications or providing dosing information in the absence of a physical exam. You can soak the paw in an Epsom salt solution if Gene will allow. Contact the local humane society or veterinary clinic. Either may be able to provide an antibiotic recommendation and dose based on Gene's body weight.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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