Cat Paw Problems

Cats are meticulous animals, carefully cleaning their paws and removing bits of mud or debris. Unfortunately, cats may still suffer from an occasional paw problem, due to an injury, an illness or a side effect from surgical declawing. Determining the cause of a paw problem is the first step in alleviating it. Severe paw pain or a chronic paw condition should be examined by a veterinarian.

  1. Injury

    • PetWellBeing.com reports that cats who spend a lot of time outdoors are at an increased risk of suffering a paw injury. Common injuries include an object becoming lodged deeply between the cat's toes, a cut to the pad of the foot or the top portion of the paw or a smashed paw. The cat will limp or favor the injured paw. When sitting, the cat may hold the paw up. If an injury to the paw does not heal quickly, a secondary infection may set in, causing the paw to swell, to have a foul smell or to feel warm to the touch.

    Stings and bites

    • Curiosity may lead your cat to playfully bat at insects, snakes or small rodents or it may entice him to try catching a honeybee in his paws. The result may be a sting or a bite, causing swelling and tenderness. Usually, the paw will improve within a couple of days but if the swelling is severe, contact your veterinarian sooner. In the case of a honeybee sting, scratch the stinger from the cat's paw with your fingernail.

    Declawing

    • Some pet owners have their cats surgically declawed to protect their furniture or other household items. While most cats' paws heal normally, the cat may demonstrate pain, holding its paws up when sitting and avoiding jumping up or down. Your vet may recommend wrapping your cat's paws to reduce swelling and pain until they heal. Pet owners who do not want to have their cat declawed may prefer an alternative soft claw covering (see Resources).

    Treatment

    • Your veterinarian may prescribe oral antibiotics for an infection or an injury to your cat's paw. In addition, further treatment may be required if your cat suffered damage from someone stepping on his paw or from a vehicle running over his paw. A bite from a venomous snake should receive prompt treatment.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Keeping your cat inside will reduce his risk of paw injury. Examine your cat's paw if he exhibits pain or limps. In the case of an object lodged between his toes or an embedded thorn, the sooner you remove the object, the sooner the cat's paw will begin to heal.