Should I bring my cat to the vet? He has an injured front paw, and his limping seems to be getting worse.?

Question

I came home Saturday at 10 pm and when my outdoor cat (originally a stray) came to greet me, I noticed him limping. I have allowed him to stay inside for the past two nights, however his limp seems to be getting worse. I inspected his paw, and it appears to have two ulcers/sores that he has been licking. It looks like a little blood has dried around it. The wounds are directly above his paw joint,on the inside, and the joint itself is slightly swollen. He is avoiding putting pressure on that foot even when he is just sitting. He appears to be in some pain, as he is not as active, however, I am concerned about possible infection, and don't know what to look for. I live paycheck to paycheck, but I will bring him into the vet if I have to. Do I have to?

Thanks to all. I will bring the cat in.

Answer 1

Infection is your only problem. Make sure the cat get fluids and keeps eating.

Answer 2

I think you have answered your own question - it is getting worse and probably an abcess has formed from a bite and that must be treated by a vet right away. If infection gets into his system it can damage his liver or kidneys and be very serious.

Put some money up front for the vet and see if he/she will allow you to make payments. Otherwise borrow from someone and pay them back as you can.

I am not opposed to having cats go outside, though I wouldn't do it myself, and I feel that all cats should be kept in after dusk and as that is the most dangerous time for cat fights, car accidents, predation by coyotes etc.

Answer 3

Yes, you have to.

He could still have something in he paw. My stray came to me once and he was limping. I didnt' see anything either, but a trip to the vet lead to him having a 2" nail removed from his foot. It went not through the top of his foot, but actually up the paw, up into what would be our wrist.

He sounds like he's in a lot of pain. He'll have to be checked over by the doctor. Maybe he can allow you to pay in payments since this would be technically considered an emergency situation.

Good luck, hope all is ok.

Answer 4

Jlea, if you have a humane society in your area, they have low cost vets on site. It probably will cost you around $20.00 there. Yes, an infection could set in so the best thing is to get it looked at by a professional. If there isn't any humane society, call all the local vets and explain the problem but you have no money right now to take it in can they suggest what you can do temporarily. some might give you some free advise...

Answer 5

It never hurts to have a professional look at your cat. If you can't afford the vet, look in your phone book for an animal rescue shelter. They usually have vets on staff, maybe they could help you to determine if your cats sore paw needs further medical attention.

Answer 6

Yes

Answer 7

If you care anything about the cat take him to the vet, if you care more about money than your animal take him to the vet then give him to someone who is willing to take care of him properly.

Answer 8

Yes you really do have to take him to a vet, maybe he can arrange to have you pay a little at a time.

Answer 9

well do you have any friends that are vets or even docters ? if so ask them to look at it.

if not then try to clean it out and but neosporin on it. or ice to keep the swelling down. and if it keeps up gp see a vet.

i am not a vet but this is my best guess on wat to do. hope your cat gets better!

Answer 10

Yeah, I would have the cat looked at.