My Cat Is Injured

by Antonio
(huber heights ohio u.s.a)

QUESTION

My cat got its foot crushed, but didn't break it. However, a claw got ripped to the side and it bled. Now it's not bleeding and she can move it. The claw is ripped to the side. Can she die or will it heal?



Dear Antonio,

This type of injury is not life threatening unless it becomes infected. Even then, antibiotics will resolve the infection in almost every case. This can be more serious if your kitty has an immunosuppressive disease such as Feline "AIDS" (FIV), cancer, is on organ transplant anti-rejection drugs, has diabetes, or is on steroids for another condition. Assuming your kitty has none of these conditions, it should not be life-threatening.

Any injury or wound should ideally be seen by your vet. However, with the economic difficulties many people are experiencing these days, I frequently get asked if there's anything that can be done without going to the vet. I don't know if this is your situation or not, but I try to give some tips on home treatment if the kitty is not going to be taken to the vet.

In your case, keeping the paw clean by soaking it in warm water several times daily and watching her closely over the next day or so is an option. Make sure you are examining the area closely several times daily for heat, swelling, redness and discharge (the signs of infection). Smell the paw to see if it smells like infection. (You'll know!) Make sure she is eating and drinking and having BM's and urinating as usual. If she stops eating or is terribly lethargic or the paw is swollen and she doesn't walk on it, you should take her right away to the vet.

Cats often rip a nail out completely and it will heal on its own without complications. They also get broken toes and nothing much is done in that case except let the toe heal on its own. I'm not sure without seeing your kitty what the exact injury is, but follow the above suggestions for observation and hygiene and see the vet at the first sign of infection or lack of appetite.

Good Luck,
Dr. Neely