Paw infection?

[Hovaloap]

My cat, Lord Godric. tends to lay on the kitchen floor and get up quickly when someone opens the fridge. One day my younger sister who's somewhat on the heavy side, accidentally stepped on his hind paw. He was limping for a couple of days but not anymore. I assumed it was just sprained because he walks normal now but I recently noticed that one of his nails is popping out on its own and it has a stench to it. I've been told by friends to pull it out but I really don't want to. I have been cleaning it with hydrogen peroxide but I'm really worried it's something really serious. It's really funky and it does seem to hurt him at times when I clean it. I began cleaning it because of the stench and because it's black around the nail. I am taking him to the hospital but our appointment isn't until next week. I want to know if I should make an appointment somewhere else where they'll treat him sooner? Also if you think it's something really serious?

[CML2014]

Please let us know about your kits paw!
Sure hope all is well!

[evewisewoman]

Hello there,

I agree with CML. If this were happening to our cat I would go immediately to an emergency clinic. The fact that there is a smell means an infection.
Do not pull out that nail. It sounds like the nail and the area around it is infected .  Your kitty needs to be seen by a vet immediately in my opinion. As CML suggests , I would take this sick kitty to an emergency clinic immediately. No time to waste. You said it's black around the nail. Not good. Seek immediate medical attention for your kitty.  Eve

[CML2014]

Brandila is right. DO NOT pull out the nail.....OUCH!  Friends can be a

L-I-T-T-L-E Strange at times, ya think?

Actually if it were me I would take your kit to an emergency clinic. If it has been infected for a while that black you are seeing could be gangrene setting in-------I hate to sound like an alarmist, but I am really hyper about sores on our kits. This should be addressed ASAP. It is probably not that serious, but your kit is probably running a fever with this infection. He/she needs med attention now. help, K?

Let us know what happens...Please!! We will be worrying with you!

CML

I think you have done all you can do, now it needs some professional

[brandila68]

With the bad smell it sounds like an infection. Without looking at it its hard to say if the black area is scabbing, dried blood, or dead tissue. Do not pull this out yourself, there are tiny bones that their nails are attached to so you need to be careful. Keeping it clean is a great idea. As long as he is eating and drinking and doing all of his regular activities I think he is fine to wait but if he seems like he is in a lot of pain or feeling under the weather you should get him in sooner.