How to treat swollen paws in adult cats?

Swollen paws in cats are not very common but when it does occur it is very painful. It is a matter of concern and needs to be professionally checked by the vet. The signs of swollen paws in cats are: Selling in one foot or one toe, a painful foot which feels warm when touched, discharge from the affected foot, overgrown toenails that might have grown into the toe pad.

Causes

Most of the time the swelling may be due to an infection from an overgrown toenail, from a bite or as a result of a puncture wound. A broken bone or presence of foreign objects in their paws can also cause swelling in your pet’s foot.

Homecare

Once you notice a swollen foot in your pet then closely inspect the affected to see if you can spot foreign objects or if you find wounds or an overgrown toe nail. Wash the wounds or remove the foreign objects only if you think you can do it. Once the area has been washed and cleaned take your feline friend to the vet for a professional evaluation.

Other causes

A medical condition known as, plasma cell pododermatitis, causes the foot pads to become soft and swollen. This can be one of the reasons for swollen paws in cats. It usually subsides by its own and does not require any treatment. But the condition may reappear.

Prevention

Cats shed toenails in large flat sheets and gain new toe nails. Their regular nail sharpening behavior helps them to remove the older layer. As your pet turns older and if they have a chronic medical condition such as hyperthyroidism, then the process of nail shedding comes to a halt leading to the piling up of unshed nails. So, the best thing for you to do is to trim your feline friend’s nails regularly or else they will overgrow and curve into their toe pad.   

You can always contact your vet for their professional advice.