I’m really worried about my little kitten, Luna. I’ve never had a cat before, so I’m not sure what to do. This morning, I noticed her front paw looked swollen, and she seems to be limping a bit. She’s usually so playful and energetic, but today she just wants to lie down and doesn’t want to play with her favorite toy. I’ve checked to see if there’s anything stuck in her paw or if she has a cut, but everything looks normal—I just can’t figure it out. She's still eating and purring when I pet her, but I can’t help but feel like something’s not right. I’m pretty stressed out right now and could really use some advice on how to help her feel better. Should I take her to the vet immediately, or is this something that might resolve on its own? Any suggestions would be hugely appreciated.
Thanks for your question about your kitten’s swollen front paw. I’m here to help! Swelling in a kitten’s paw can be caused by a few things like a minor injury, a sting or bite from an insect, or even something stuck in the paw like a splinter. Occasionally, it could be due to an underlying issue such as an infection or even a fracture, especially if there was a fall or rough play.
At home, you can gently examine the paw to see if there is any obvious cause like a wound or a foreign object. If your kitten allows, you can try to clean the area with a mild antiseptic solution and apply a cold compress to help reduce swelling.
Keep an eye out for signs of serious issues: if your kitten is limping, not using the paw, showing signs of pain when touched, or if the swelling persists or worsens over the next day or so, it’s important to seek veterinary care quickly. Furthermore, pus or a foul smell could indicate an infection that needs treatment.
For a more tailored assessment, I suggest booking a video consult with Dial A Vet. We can take a closer look and guide you on the best course of action for your little one.
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