How to Treat a Cat With a Swollen Paw

Being a cat owner means you are responsible for the health and well-being of your pet. This includes routine grooming, nutrition, and monitoring the health of your cat. Occasionally, owners are called upon to administer first aid to their cats, so you should have a pet first aid kit on hand to deal with minor injuries. Cats that go outside often come home with injuries to their paws that can include insect bites, burrs or splinters, broken nails, or injuries from fights with other cats. Injuries such as these can cause a swollen paw that should be examined carefully to determine proper treatment.

Things You'll Need

  • Tweezers
  • Mild soap
  • Neosporin or other antibiotic ointment
  • Gauze pads and bandage
  • Icepack
  • Baking soda
  • Scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Examine the swollen paw carefully under good light. Look for cuts, punctures, broken nails, bee stingers, or areas of redness.

    • 2

      Remove stingers or splinters with a pair of tweezers. Mix a paste of baking soda and water and apply to the bite. Apply an icepack to reduce swelling

    • 3

      Cut hair away from wounds.

    • 4

      Clean small cuts with a mild soap and plenty of water.

    • 5

      Apply Neosporin or other antibiotic ointment to a clean gauze pad and place over the wound. Wrap the paw carefully with gauze and tape the end with bandage adhesive tape.

    • 6

      Change the bandage every three days or more frequently if the wound has drainage.

    • 7

      See your veterinarian for further treatment for your cat if the swelling continues.