Did you know that cats sweat through their paws? Paws also help our felines land safely from high jumps. However, jumping around and playing on rough surfaces often causes paw injuries in cats.
If your furry companion shows symptoms like limping, meowing in pain, and excessive licking, they probably have a paw scrape or something more serious. In this article, we’ll explore cat paw injuries and treatments, so let’s jump right in!
Common Cat Paw Injuries and Their Causes
The other day, I noticed a tear on one of my cat’s paw which inspired me to learn more about paw injuries in cats. What I found is that they typically occur between the toes, on the claw, and on the foot for the following reasons:
1. Trauma
Trauma is a common cause of paw injuries that can happen from scratches, cuts, or burns from sharp objects or hot surfaces. Sometimes, a foreign object might get stuck in the paw pad.
Additionally, a cat might break a toe if the claw gets caught and pulled. Even rough play with other cats or tripping over your cat can cause injuries. This is one of the things you should know before letting your cat outside.
2. Insect Stings and Bites
If your feline often swats at insects, they will eventually get stung or bitten. These stings can cause swelling, pain, and infection. Sometimes, the stinger can stay in the paw and need to be removed by a vet.
3. Allergic Reactions
Cats can have allergic reactions that cause swollen paws, itching, runny eyes, and digestive issues. Allergies can come from food, dust, or insects. Severe reactions might include extreme swelling, hives, difficulty breathing, and vomiting.
If you see any of these signs, prepare for your vet appointment and get your cat to the vet quickly.
4. Sprains, Dislocations, and Fractures
Although paws act as shock absorbers, felines can still experience sprains, dislocations, or fractures from high jumps and accidents, such as accidentally stepping on their paws. As a result, your cat will be in pain and not move much.
5. Declawing and Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails happen when cat claws curl into the paw pad, causing pain and inflammation. This is more common in older cats but can be prevented with regular grooming of your cat. Declawing can also cause the same symptoms.
NOTE: Declawing is harmful and banned in many places because it can cause long-term pain and injury. Instead, use claw guards or regular nail trimming.
Cat Paw Injuries Symptoms
Swelling is often the first sign of a paw injury or inflammation. You might also see other signs your cat is in pain, such as the following:
Bleeding or redness
Redness usually happens with a wound or scratch. If your cat continues to use the injured paw despite pain, it can start to bleed.
Untreated bleeding is dangerous as bacteria can enter through the open wound and cause infections. If your feline has a bleeding paw, visit the nearby vet clinic ASAP for help.
Refusing to use the injured paw
If your cat is limping or not using the paw at all, it indicates a serious issue. This can result in muscle weakness and reduced mobility, even after the injury heals. It can also make your furry friend less active and depressed, which isn’t good because indoor cats need exercise.
Fluid discharge
Severe injuries may cause fluid to ooze from the paw. This can be a sign of significant damage and may require a vet visit. Fluid discharge might also indicate a deep wound or contusion.
Excessive licking
Cats can soothe themselves and clean wounds through licking. However, excessive licking can introduce bacteria from the cat’s saliva and infect the wound. This will delay the healing process.
Therefore, if you notice excessive licking, it’s time to call the vet. To prevent licking, you might need to use a protective cone or other accessory.
Wincing in pain
If your cat meows loudly or shows signs of pain when touching or using the paw, it’s a clear sign that something is wrong. Even if there’s no visible injury, this pain should be checked by a vet.
Cat Pat Injuries Treatments
Here’s how to treat less serious paw injuries at home:
If there’s a wound, clean it properly
Wash the wound with soap and warm water. You can use a soapy bowl and a plain water bowl or two warm, wet washcloths—one with soap and one for rinsing. Dry the paw gently with a clean towel, which can help you see if there’s any fluid coming from the wound.
Warm compress for a swollen paw
Apply a warm, damp washcloth to the injured paw and hold it for about 10 minutes to help reduce swelling. Repeat a few times a day. This can also help with abscesses. If the swelling doesn’t go down in a couple of days, contact your vet.
Topical creams and ointments
Check with your vet before using any creams or ointments. Some can cause severe reactions in cats, and they might lick off the medicine. Avoid home remedies like honey, which can introduce harmful bacteria.
Use a cone
This will help keep your cat from licking or chewing their injured paw. It helps the injury heal faster by preventing further damage.
Don’t let your cat outside
Keeping your cat indoors protects them from further injury and lets you monitor their condition more closely.
NOTE: Owners of outdoor or semi-outdoor cats should reconsider the decision of letting their feline roam around free because outdoor cats face greater risks than indoor ones.
Avoid disinfectant rinses and bandages
Alcohol or hydrogen peroxide can be painful and harmful. Instead, use a chlorhexidine solution or diluted betadine for wound cleaning. If your cat has a bad reaction to these, stop using them and call your vet.
Bandaging is also not a good idea as bandages can be too tight, which can cut off blood flow and cause more harm. If you need to use one to control bleeding, use plenty of padding with gauze or non-stick pads and wrap it securely but not too tight. Replace it within 6 to 12 hours.
Closing Thoughts
All in all, you should follow the vet’s instructions for home care, which might include foot soaks, compresses, and bandage care. Regular follow-ups and careful home treatment will help your cat recover fully.
