my cat cut his paw its not deep how do i treat it?

Question

last night i think my cat jumped on something sharp or scraped his paw against something, and now there's a cut there n slightly thick yellowish pus is coming out. it isnt deep and the bleeding has stopped. he has a slight limp now because he doesnt want to put weight on the paw. instead of taking it to the doctor is there any way i cud treat his paw myself at home? or shud i take him to the doctor and get anti-biotics in case of infections?

he's still eating well n doesnt seem to have a temperature or look ill.

Answer 1

Hi Julia...in all honesty it would be best to have a veterinarian evaluate the injury. If it's infected you do NOT want to use hydrogen peroxide as it pushes the bacteria deeper into the wound making healing more difficult as well as leaves scarring. For now use only water and antibacterial soap--nothing else until your cat sees a veterinarian. Some cuts develop into an abscess and need to be drained if they become infected. Abscesses can cause secondary infections and fevers which will require treatment with antibiotics once after the wound is cleaned and treated respectively.

More about abscesses (with photos):
http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_bite_wound_abscess.html

Answer 2

Sounds like your cat's paw has developed an infection. If it's possible that the cut is a result of a fight with another cat, then you'll possibly need an antibiotic from a vet, because cats' teeth and claws carry a huge amount of bacteria that can create deeply infected wounds underneath the surface of the skin. Is your cat licking the would clean? Perhaps wait overnight, and keep an eye on how the wound develops. If it is still infected, or swollen, by the morning, call your vet and take your cat in for treatment. He's your pet, and deserves all your care!

Answer 3

I would clean the cut with hydrogen peroxide every few hours. But the pus is what concerns me. Usually that has to be treated with antibiotics becuase pus can get into the cat's bloodstream. If the pus drains out, that is good. The more you can drain out the better. Since the at walks on the paw, it may take a little longer to heal... that's why I think a dose of antibiotics will be necessary.

Answer 4

if u don't know what he cut it on AND there's pus, i really recommend taking him to the vet, its ur responsibility as a pet owner. they will clean it, maybe glue it back together, and put him on antibiotics. IF AND ONLY IF u can no way ever possible get him to the vet for legitimite reasons, then everyday wash it with alcohol (clean off alcohol well) and if u have that wrapping-gauze and the tape that comes with it, try and wrap it lightly, if he is an indoor cat. but really, the vet is his best option

Answer 5

One of my fuzzy family members had an infection in her paw that got very swollen. The vet had to drain it & pack it....
Bottom line, off to the vet!

Answer 6

Definitely do not clean the wound with hydrogen peroxide. It has been proven that putting hydrogen peroxide in open wounds inhibits healing. Instead, take your cat to the vet and let the professionals do what they do best.

Answer 7

if there is pus, your cat has an infection. Considering she steps in litter boxes that is not surprising. You need to take her to the vet.

Answer 8

Wait 2 more days if he gets worse take him in, if you notice he is getting better wait a few more days and call your vet first they might be able to help you over the phone.

Answer 9

clean it out with some salt water then put neoprene on it a couple times a day.Then wrap it in some gauze and it it gets worse or has pus go to the vet.

Answer 10

I know it may seem extreme but its a job for your vet. Its already infected. It'll only get worse.