Injured paw - how serious?

[pdxberry]

Our cat has been avoiding the use of his back left foot for the past 2 days. I tried to look at it, but he was very cautious in letting me get close, and pulled it away several times.  I wasn't able to see any visible cuts or blood or anything.  He has been quite calm and cuddly as usual - even letting me pet his injured paw (on top).  

Today, however, we can see that the paw is very swollen.  He is still very calm (does not seem traumatized or too skittish), but definitely careful about his injured paw.  My husband was able to look a little closer a few minutes ago and did find a tiny bit of crusted blood around the "pad" of his paw.  We still can't really see any scratches or anything.  

My questions are: Based on his calm demeanor and lack of obvious abrasions, can we wait until tomorrow to take him to a vet, or should we be more concerned about his injury and rush him to emergency?  Is there anything we can do at home tonight to ease his discomfort and/or swelling?

[Jade59]

You don't say where you live, but this could be a spider bite...a spider bite would be VERY difficult to see in all that fur.  Could also be snake bite (I read that a few posts above yours).  

[Jade59]

Hello Kat & Welcome....Please do NOT give Blue anymore Tylenol!  Tylenol can be fatal for cats!  You didn't give him the whole pill did you? :(  NEVER give animals human meds without consulting your vet first.  

This sounds like a possible abscess.  He may of been bitten but has now licked it so much, it's healed over, however, the infection is still there, just now spreading underneath.  Of course this is only one guess of many.  I would get Blue to the vet for an xray at the very least.

Keep us updated! :)

[opus88]

DO NOT GIVE TYLENOL TO A CAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! this will kill him..he needs to see a Vet, theres is no home remedy for a swollen leg/arm...do NOT give medications PLEASE.

[kat2317]

Don't know what to do?  My cat Blue who is a tom cat has a swollen front right arm. He shows no signs of bite marks or oozing. He was limping on it till I gave him tylenol. 24hrs later and its still swollen. What do you recomend??? PLEASE HELP!!

[opus88]

the swelling in the upper leg could mean its broken and thus would need a Vet.....if its only a muscle injury it will heal on its own, how did the injury happen? Anytime your not sure abt something its always best to have a Vet check it out......good luck:)

[tiffw81]

my cat has injured his front right leg, his leg is swollen in the for arm area. he will not put any pressure on his leg. is ther anything i can do at home to help him?