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Parent866948
Thu, Feb 29, 2024
Skin
Fleas or ticks

I can't injure his foot now it has pus as well as still limping I believe he is starting to chew it off or maybe just the injury spreading


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Dr. Brown
Dr.Tail Vet

The symptoms you're describing in your cat, such as limping, the presence of pus, and the behavior of chewing at the injured foot, suggest a few possible underlying issues. The limping and pus indicate that there is likely an infection at the site of the injury. This could have been caused by a puncture wound, a laceration, or even an abscess that has burst. The chewing behavior is a sign that the injury is causing your cat discomfort and he is trying to alleviate it, but this can also lead to further damage and infection.

To manage the situation at home, you should first clean the affected paw. Use warm water and mild antiseptic soap to gently wash away any visible dirt and debris. After cleaning, you can apply a thin layer of a pet-safe antiseptic ointment to the injured area. It's important to prevent your cat from licking or chewing the injury further, so consider using a pet cone, also known as an Elizabethan collar, to protect the area while it heals.

Keep the injured paw dry and clean, and change any bandages regularly if you've applied them. Ensure your cat has a comfortable, clean place to rest, away from any dirty or potentially harmful environments that could introduce more bacteria to the wound.

Monitor your cat's behavior and the appearance of the injury closely. If you notice any of the following symptoms, it would be necessary to seek immediate veterinary attention: increased redness or swelling, a foul odor emanating from the wound, the cat becoming lethargic or refusing to eat, or if the injury does not show signs of improvement within a day or two.

It's also important to ensure that your cat's vaccinations are up to date, especially if the injury could potentially expose him to other animals or environmental risks. While you mentioned there are no current vaccinations, it's something to consider for the future to help prevent certain diseases.

In the meantime, keep your cat indoors to avoid further injury or infection and provide a quiet, stress-free environment for recovery. If the injury does not improve or worsens, it's crucial to seek veterinary care as antibiotics or further treatment may be necessary.

If you have any additional questions, please don't hesitate to come back to us! Thank you.