Inflamed and swollen paw pads

[boandaropax]

I just found a stray cat and brought her home. I can't keep her, but brought her home because of the snowy weather and because she is skin and bones. I do not have the funds right now to take her to the vet. I noticed that the pads on the two front paws look inflamed and swollen. They don't seem to be causing her pain. She walks on them fine, and attended to clean them off because they are dirty. She didn't seem too bother by me gently wiping them off. I'm concerned for her health, but I don't know what to do. Could this be a serious condition. I plan to take her to my local no kill shelter when the wrath gets better, what will they do about her paws? Thanks for any help.

[Piparskeggr]

A big thumbs up to you!

[CML2014]

Thanks for letting us know!  I hope she finds someone as caring as you!!

[boandaropax]

She had a vet appointment today. She has pillow paw, and a yeast infection in her ears. She is already spayed, and tested negative for leukemia and FIV. I still have her, but hopefully will be going to her new Foster Tuesday or Wednesday. I'll miss her, but am glad I was able to help her get started with a new healthy, and hopefully happy life.

[AnnieBrooke]

Delighted you found a foster for the kitty.

[Piparskeggr]

Good on ya for being persistent in both helping and trying to find a safe haven for this kitty.

[AnnieBrooke]

Hi, Opus, I didn't say anything about putting her on for free.  When I've gotten rid of cats who strayed in, I've charged a small amount (like $20) to keep the creeps at bay.

[boandaropax]

I called animal friends, and are helping me to at least find a Foster home for her. So, I'm going to try and keep her till then. Hopefully, if things work out, she might have a Foster in a week. Thanks for all the help. Please send good vibes our way, it will be greatly appreciated.

[opus88]

sorry Annie, not often I have to disagree but this time I must. there are just horror stories abt ppl offering FREE pets on craigslist or kijiji...not everyone in this world has good intentions and are just looking for those FREE animal adds.
I also hate the thought of taking to a shelter....but at least when someone has to pay a fee for a pet they usually tend to be prepared to look after them...not always I know, but chances are better than free sites
Yes do talk to your local Vet clinics and see if they can 'recommend' someone or somewhere....
gosh I hope this needy little one finds someone to love her, its soooo sad when landlords don't allow ones that truly love a pet to take one in....

[AnnieBrooke]

Put her on Craigslist with the story of how you found her, whether you personally know someone who is looking for a cat is a pretty small circle compared to the larger group you will find on Craigslist.  And the people looking at the cat ads will be in fact looking for a cat, so you have a self-sorting sample.  Get your best pic of the kitty, one from up close and below with a plain background and good lighting.  (Like, stand her on the sofa arm and sit on the floor when you take the shot.)  Describe that you think she froze her feet and tell about her personality.  You should find her a home.

[CML2014]

AWWWWW! I knew she would steel your heart!----BAAAAD LANDLORD!

Problem with putting any cream other than a little Vaseline is she will lick it off and it should not be digested. You could try Neosporin, but you must put little baby booties on her paws so she will not lick and still get air through the socks or gauze if that is better.

I would take her to some vets and see which one might take her in, help her and put her up for adoption through his practice. If you have a vet try him , if not try a few others. That way she will get the care she needs and will be treated well until a new mom adopts her. Sometimes it turns out to be one of the vet techs. Just a thought.
CML

[boandaropax]

Thank you, to the both of you! I love animals with all of my heart, and could never just turn one away. She has already stolen my heart. Unfortunately, my landlord will not allow me to keep her, and don't know anyone who wants a cat. I know shelters are hard on these babies, but it has to be better than being outside..right? She has cat food and water. She was so hungry and thirsty! She was so excited when I brought food to her! She also has cat littler in a makeshift litter box (which she has used). She has been napping off and on in a bed I made her. I noticed just a bit a go, that her blanket has some spots on it. Blood? There's just a few, and they are very light. I'm really nervous about this. Is it possible to use ointment on her paws, to make sure they don't get infected? I'm glad she warm and no longer hungry.. But I feel like I'm failing her. Thanks for all the help!

[CML2014]

Hello,

I am in agreement with Opus, as usual. You are a very kind person to take this little creature in, even if it is just to shelter from the cold. Who knows by the time it warms up she may have warmed your heart enough to keep her with you, LOL!

Anyway, Opua hs given you some great advise and a very good reference guide. I think your LOVE and care will be a wonderful start to her healing. Her pads may just be frost bitten or aggravated by the abrasive cold. Put her in her own comfy little blanket with a heating pad under the cover on LOW to keep her warm. A little Vaseline may help sooth her paws---just a light covering perhaps over night. Try and keep her in your house for the week and see how she is doing.

A little litter box some food and water and she should be good to go.

Thank you for being so kind--Good Karma will follow, LOL!

Keep us posted,
CML

[opus88]

well bless your heart for taking her in and caring enough to take her to a shelter rather than letting her freeze and starve to death.....such a cruel life for kitties out on their own
it could be that she has slightly frozen her feet, or can also be a condition called plasma cell pododermatitis or 'pillow foot' I will send you a link to that info
sure hope its isn't as it is difficult to treat and I'm not sure she'll get any proper care in a shelter....;( sad but true. keep us posted on how she does please...

http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_plasma_cell_pododermatitis.html