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Why Is My Cat's Paws Swollen

Sep 27,2024 | puaintapets

The cat's claw is an important part of the cat's body and has a variety of biological functions and adaptive features. Cat claws are made of keratin, a material also found in human nails, providing protection and the ability to grasp objects. A cat's claws can be retracted by the action of muscles and ligaments, which allows them to be retracted at rest to minimize wear and protect the claws. 

Cats usually have five toes on their front paws and four on their back paws. The fifth toe of the front paw is called the suspensory toe, which serves as a counterbalance and aid when climbing or other activities. The tips of the cat's claws are covered with sharp claw sheaths that can be extended when needed for hunting, climbing, and self-defense.

cat swollen paws

Why Is Cat Paws Swollen?

  • Feline Pododermatitis

Feline pododermatitis, also known as "pillow foot," is an inflammatory condition affecting the paw pads. Causes may include immune system disorders or infections. Symptoms include swollen, soft paw pads that may ulcerate. Treatment involves addressing the underlying cause, often with antibiotics or corticosteroids.

  • Bacterial and Fungal Infections

Bacterial and fungal infections can occur due to injuries, poor hygiene, or a compromised immune system. Common signs include redness, swelling, and discharge. These infections require veterinary attention, with treatments typically involving topical or oral antibiotics and antifungals.

  • Paronychia (Nail Bed Infection)

Paronychia is an infection of the nail bed, often caused by bacteria or fungi. Symptoms include swelling, redness, and pus around the nail. Treatment may involve soaking the paw in antiseptic solutions, antibiotics, and ensuring the cat's nails are kept clean and trimmed.

  • Paw Pad Injuries

Injuries to the paw pads, such as cuts, burns, or punctures, can cause significant pain and lead to infection. Immediate first aid includes cleaning the wound and applying a sterile bandage. Veterinary care may be necessary for deeper wounds or signs of infection.

Potential Consequences of Cat Paw Injuries When Hit by a Vehicle

Soft tissue injuries: the muscles, ligaments, and tendons around the paw may be torn or stretched as a result of the impact, which may limit the normal range of motion of your cat's paw.

Broken bones: the force of the impact may cause the paw bone to break, which can not only cause severe pain, but may also affect your cat's ability to walk.

Skin and nail injuries: Impacts may result in torn skin on the claws and broken or misaligned nails, which can increase the risk of infection and affect the ability to grip.

  • Allergic Reactions

Cats can suffer from allergic reactions affecting their paws, resulting from environmental allergens, food, or contact irritants. Symptoms include itching, redness, and swelling. Identifying and removing the allergen, along with anti-inflammatory medications, can help manage these reactions.

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  • Overgrown Nails

A cat's nails that are too long may curl into the flesh pads, a condition known as onychectasis. When the nails pierce the meat pads, it can cause pain, redness and swelling, and may even lead to infection. Long nails may also prevent your cat from walking and scratching properly, increasing the risk of injury.

  1. Difficulty walking: excessively long nails can alter a cat's gait, causing discomfort and even pain when walking.
  2. Self-injury: long nails are prone to hooking on carpets or furniture, and cats may accidentally scratch their skin or flesh pads when struggling.
  3. Reduced grip: Cats rely on sharp nails for climbing and balance, and excessively long nails can affect their ability to grip.
  4. Health problems: Bacteria and dirt inside long nails can cause infections and, in severe cases, affect blood circulation.
  • Parasite Infestations

Parasites like fleas, mites, and ticks can infest cat paws, causing discomfort and infections. Symptoms include excessive scratching and visible parasites. Treatment involves using appropriate anti-parasitic medications and maintaining regular grooming and hygiene.

  • Autoimmune Disorders

Autoimmune disorders can affect the skin and paws of cats, leading to symptoms like swelling, ulceration, and hair loss. Conditions like pemphigus require veterinary intervention, often involving immunosuppressive medications to control the immune response.

  • Tumors and Cysts

Tumors and cysts can develop on cat paws, presenting as lumps or growths. While some may be benign, others can be malignant. Veterinary evaluation is necessary for diagnosis, often requiring surgical removal and biopsy to determine the nature of the growth.

  • Hyperkeratosis

Hyperkeratosis is a condition characterized by the thickening of the paw pads. This can result from genetic factors, infections, or environmental influences. Treatment focuses on moisturizing the pads and addressing any underlying causes.

  • Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex

The eosinophilic granuloma complex is a group of inflammatory skin conditions that can affect cat paws. Symptoms include lesions, swelling, and itching. Treatment typically involves corticosteroids and addressing any underlying allergies or infections.

cat swollen paws

How To Know The Cause?

  • Observe behavioral changes

Watch for signs of limping, frequent licking or biting of the paw, and if the cat shows signs of pain. These behaviors may indicate some form of injury or discomfort to the paw. 

  • Examine the Appearance of the Paw

Carefully examine swollen paws for visible trauma, redness, cracks, or foreign objects embedded in them. If insect bites or stings are found, special attention may be needed, as these bites can swell quickly and may become infected. 

  • Touch and gentle pressure

Gently touch the swollen paw to feel your cat's reaction. If the cat shows pain or resistance, this may indicate that the swelling is related to a bone problem, such as a sprain, fracture or dislocation. 

  • Check the temperature

Inflammation or infection may make the paw feel warm. If the temperature of the paw is higher than normal, this could be a sign of infection. 

  • Smell the odor

Sometimes, swelling caused by an infection may be accompanied by a foul odor. If you smell an odor, this may indicate that the wound is infected. 

  • Dynamic observation

Continuously observe the swelling of your cat's paw and its impact on daily activities. If the swelling persists or tends to increase, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible for further examination and treatment. 

If you suspect that your cat's swollen paws are caused by a serious external injury or internal disease, you should take your cat to the veterinarian immediately. Your veterinarian may recommend x-rays or other diagnostic tests to determine the exact cause of the swelling and provide treatment options accordingly. 

What Should I Do If My Cat is Painful?

What to do to minimize the pain of swollen paws in cats
When your cat's paw is swollen, you can take the following steps to minimize its pain:

  • Emergency Treatment

first, gently examine your cat's paw for possible wounds or foreign objects. If a wound is found, gently wash it using sterile water or saline to remove dirt and reduce the risk of infection. Avoid cleaning agents that contain alcohol or harsh chemicals as they may exacerbate pain and irritate the wound. 

  • Cold compresses

Use an ice pack or cold water-soaked towel to gently apply to the swollen paw for about 10-15 minutes at a time to help reduce swelling and pain. Make sure the ice pack or cold compress does not come into direct contact with your cat's skin to prevent frostbite. 

  • Elevate the paw

Try to gently elevate your cat's affected paw while it is resting, this will help reduce the swelling by decreasing blood circulation to the swollen area. 

  • Protect the wound

If your cat allows it, gently wrap the paw with a soft bandage or clean sock to protect the wound and minimize further damage caused by your cat's licking and biting. 

  • Avoid stress

Ensure your cat has a comfortable resting environment during recovery and avoid any activities that may increase the stress on the paw. 

  • Monitor behavioral changes

Closely observe your cat's behavior and appetite to ensure its overall well-being. If your cat shows signs of unusual behavior or increased pain, contact your veterinarian immediately. 

Keep in mind that these emergency measures do not replace professional medical care. If the swelling is accompanied by redness, a feeling of heat, pus, or if your cat exhibits severe pain, you should take your cat to a veterinarian as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment. Under the direction of your veterinarian, antibiotics or other medications may be used to treat the infection and further treatment recommendations will be provided.

  • Emergency Treatment Steps for Scorpion Stings in Cats

  • Immediately isolate the cat: separate the cat from other family members to prevent the spread of the toxin.
  • Limit the cat's movement: gently place the cat in a quiet, dark environment and reduce its movement, as movement may accelerate the spread of the toxin in the body.
  • Clean the wound: use soap and water to gently wash the injured area to remove possible residual venom and contaminants. Avoid using iodine or alcohol as these substances may irritate the wound.
  • Keep your cat calm: Calm your cat to avoid excessive stress or panic, as a rapid heartbeat may facilitate the circulation of toxins.
  • Contact a veterinarian as soon as possible: Scorpion stings may require specialized treatment, including antihistamines, analgesics or in some cases antivenom. Do not attempt to treat a severe sting on your own.

cat swollen paws

How To Treat a Swollen Cat Paw?

  • Observe behaviors and symptoms

Check to see if the cat is limping or avoiding the affected foot, as well as for other unusual behaviors such as frequent licking or rubbing of the foot.

  • Examining the feet

Gently ruffle the hair on the feet and check for trauma, embedded foreign objects, red and swollen areas, lacerations or pus. If open wounds are found, treat them carefully to avoid further injury.

  • Cleaning the wound

Clean feet with mild soap and warm water to remove dirt and possible irritants. Avoid using alcohol or hydrogen peroxide as they may irritate the wound.

  • Use of medication

Depending on the condition of the wound, you can disinfect it with iodophor or other disinfectants. If necessary, antibiotic ointment recommended by your veterinarian can be used. 

  • Trimming your cat's nails

Soothe your cat in a quiet, comfortable environment by gently holding its feet and stabilizing its body with your other hand to prevent it from struggling. Use nail clippers to gently cut off the front of the nail, only a little bit at a time. If you are unsure, rather cut less to avoid hurting your cat. After trimming, check each nail to make sure it's flat, and if there are any sharp edges, gently smooth them out with a nail file.

  • Wear an Elizabethan collar

To prevent your cat from licking or biting the wound, you should put an Elizabethan collar on your cat.

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  • Seek veterinary help

If the redness is accompanied by fever, pus discharge or if your cat's symptoms worsen, you should contact your veterinarian immediately for professional treatment. The veterinarian may recommend further tests, such as x-rays or blood tests, as well as appropriate medication.

  • Home Care

Keep your cat comfortable and quiet and avoid strenuous activities while awaiting instructions from your veterinarian. Check the foot regularly for recovery and continue to keep it clean and dry.

cat  swollen paw

How to Clean The Swollen Paw?

Steps for Cleaning Your Cat's Paws When They Are Swollen: When your cat's paw becomes swollen, proper cleaning and treatment is crucial. Here are some steps you can follow to help your cat:

  • Prepare tools and a quietly environment

Make sure you have warm water, a mild, non-irritating cleanser, soft towels, tweezers, and any medical supplies you may need. Gentle Cleaning: First, gently soak your cat's paws with warm water to soften any dirt or foreign objects that may be clinging to the paws. Gentle Cleaning

First, use warm water to gently soak your cat's paws to soften any dirt or foreign objects that may be clinging to them. Then, use a soft towel to gently wipe the surface of the claws, being careful not to apply too much pressure. If any foreign objects are found embedded in the claws, they can be carefully removed using tweezers and sterilized with iodine vapour after handling. 

  • Inspection and treatment

During the cleaning process, carefully inspect your cat's claws for cuts, abrasions or signs of infection. If there are visible cuts or increased redness or swelling, stop cleaning immediately and contact your veterinarian for further treatment. 

  • Drying and Care

After cleaning, gently dry your cat's claws with a clean towel to ensure no moisture remains.

  • Monitoring and follow-up care

Closely monitor the condition of your cat's claws over the next few days, noting any unusual changes such as persistent or increased redness, increased discharge or behavioral changes. Follow your veterinarian's instructions for follow-up care and treatment. 

Remember, it is important to remain patient and gentle when dealing with swollen paws to avoid causing your cat additional stress or injury. If you are unsure of how to proceed with cleaning or treatment, it is best to consult a professional veterinarian.

How to Tell If My Cat Has a Simple Paw Sprain or Fracture?

Distinguishing whether your cat's paw is a sprain or a fracture can be done by looking for differences in the following areas:

  • Level of pain

Fractures usually cause severe pain and pressure, as the tip of the fracture may puncture the surrounding blood vessels and nerves. And while sprains can also cause pain, they are usually less severe than fractures.

  • Walking status

If a cat has a fractured paw, it may be completely reluctant to land on the injured paw, resulting in limping or simply not walking. Conversely, a cat with a sprain may still attempt to ground the injured paw, although it may limp.

  • Skin color and swelling

Fractures may cause damage, swelling and bruising of the surrounding tissues, and the skin may appear greenish-purple ecchymosis. Sprains, on the other hand, may not show swelling immediately at first, but may appear over time.

  • Palpation reaction

Fractures can cause the bones to shift, leaving the cat's leg deformed and uneven to the touch, and the cat will show significant tenderness. Sprains, on the other hand, mainly affect soft tissues such as muscles and ligaments, and may not immediately cause obvious deformities.

  • Behavioral Changes

Cats with fractures may be more distressed, show restlessness and lack of energy, and may even refuse to move or seek a place to hide. Cats with sprains, while also in discomfort, may not be as severe as those with fractures.

If you are able to observe any one or more of these signs, it is recommended that you take your cat to a veterinary clinic as soon as possible for further examination and treatment. The veterinarian may be able to confirm whether it is a sprain or a fracture through palpation and x-ray and provide a treatment plan accordingly.

FAQs

Is a Swollen Cat Paw An Emergency?

Swollen paws in cats can be an emergency that requires immediate attention and management. Swelling can be caused by a number of things, including trauma, infection, inflammation, tumors, blood clots or other systemic diseases. If your cat's swollen paws are accompanied by pain, limping, redness, warmth, or if your cat frequently licks the injured area, these are all signs of a potential emergency. 

While waiting for veterinary care, avoid over-activating the cat to avoid aggravating the injury or causing further damage. If the swelling worsens rapidly or the cat develops other serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, loss of appetite or behavioral changes, the cat should be taken to the veterinary clinic immediately for emergency treatment. Prompt veterinary intervention is essential to prevent potentially serious complications and promote rapid recovery.

What Can Affect the Speed of Recovery?

Kittens usually recover faster because their bones are more capable of healing. In addition, proper treatment and post-operative care, such as activity restriction, physical therapy and nutritional support, are critical to speeding up the recovery process. However, in the case of a fracture, additional therapeutic measures, such as internal fixation surgery, may be required to ensure optimal recovery. 

How to Clip My Cat's Nails?

When trimming your cat's nails, use nail clippers designed for pets to accommodate the shape and texture of your cat's nails. Before trimming, gently press down on your cat's feet so that the nails stick out. Pay attention to the pink part of the nail, this is where the blood vessels are located and you should avoid cutting into this area. Simply cut off the white, clear tip of the nail, keeping the sharp edges of the nail neat. If you are unsure how to do this, consult your veterinarian or a professional pet groomer. During the trimming process, if you accidentally cut a blood vessel causing bleeding, you should immediately use hemostatic powder or clean gauze to stop the bleeding.

Conclusion

Understanding and managing cat paw diseases is vital for the overall well-being of your feline companion. Regular paw care, prompt attention to symptoms, and consulting with a veterinarian can ensure your cat's paws remain healthy and functional. By being proactive and informed, you can help your cat lead a happy, healthy life.

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