Can a swollen cat's paws heal spontaneously?

Usually, a swollen cat's paws cannot heal spontaneously. The causes of swollen cat paws mainly include trauma or bacterial interdigitalitis.

In the case of trauma, it is necessary to thoroughly clean the wound and pay attention to the anti-infective treatment of the wound. For bacterial interdigitalitis, it is necessary to keep the affected area dry and clean, and then apply an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ointment or topical spray locally.

There are many causes for swollen cat paws, and it is recommended to go to the pet hospital for treatment in a timely manner, as the chances of spontaneous recovery after swollen cat paws are usually very low. The first cause to consider is trauma, such as being punctured or scratched by sharp objects. If discovered late, it is easy to develop into a local red, swollen, hot, and painful condition due to secondary infection. Clinical manifestations include abnormally swollen claws, and touching them will cause pain. In this case, the wound needs to be thoroughly treated, usually with normal saline or metronidazole injection. If there is pus in the swollen area, it usually needs to be drained, disinfected with hydrogen peroxide, and then applied with drugs that have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties.

Secondly, consider bacterial interdigitalitis. The cause of bacterial interdigitalitis is mainly due to the long-term moist environment of the claws and other parts, resulting in a decline in skin resistance and secondary bacterial infection. Clinical manifestations include swollen, red, and painful claws. If secondary purulent infection occurs, it can easily lead to ulceration and pus discharge. The clinical treatment plan is to thoroughly clean the infected area, apply wound-healing and antibacterial drugs locally, and ensure the infected area is clean and dry.

Finally, during treatment, the cat's movement should be limited, and it is best to keep the cat in a cage to avoid infection with other bacteria.