🔍 Red Flags & First Steps

• Severe swelling or pain—won’t touch or use the limb
• Multiple limbs affected or systemic signs (lethargy, breathing trouble)
• History of trauma—road accident, bite, fall
• Bleeding, open wounds, fever, or redness

If any are present—it's urgent. Seek vet attention immediately. Minor swelling without pain may be watched for 24–48 hrs—but don’t delay if it worsens. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

🧭 Localized Causes (1 or 2 Paws)

Injury or Trauma

Puncture wounds, sprains, fractures, or bruises—from sharp objects, fights, accidents. Often painful, may be hot or tender. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Abscesses (Cat Bites)

Common from fights—often on paws. Wound become infected, swelling, pus, fever. Needs drainage and antibiotics. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Insect or Snake Bites, Stings

Stings cause rapid swelling, pain, hot to touch—and may trigger allergic reactions. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Foreign Bodies

Thorns, splinters, glass cause irritation, swelling, and possibly infection. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Burns or Chemical Contact

Thermal or caustic burns cause pad swelling, pain. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Ingrown or Overgrown Claws

Nails embedding in pad cause irritation, infection, swollen toes. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

Tumors or Bone Disease

Rare, but cancers or bone infections may enlarge a paw. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

🎯 Soft-Tissue & Immune-Mediated Causes

Pododermatitis (“Pillow Foot”)

An autoimmune reaction causing inflamed, puffy paw pads—often on multiple feet. Diagnosis involves biopsy and immunotherapy. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex

Allergy-related nodules or plaques on pads that cause swelling and sometimes ulceration. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

Edema from Allergies or Trauma

Generalized or focal swelling from fluid leakage in tissues—non-painful at first. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

💔 Generalized Causes (Multiple Limbs)

Systemic Organ Disease

• Heart, Kidney or Liver Disease: Low protein or poor circulation causes fluid buildup in all limbs. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
• Systemic Infections/Allergies: Can make vessels leaky, causing generalized swelling. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
• Toxins or Medications: Some drugs or poisons may inflame blood vessels, leading to edema. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}

Saddle Thrombus (Feline Aortic Thromboembolism)

An emergency where a clot blocks blood flow to the rear legs—sudden paralysis, cold paws, intense pain. Immediate vet treatment needed. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}

🔬 Veterinary Diagnostic Approach

1. History: trauma, onset, indoor/outdoor lifestyle, systemic signs
2. Physical exam: palpate limbs, check temperature, wounds, heart and lungs
3. Blood tests: CBC, chemistry, organ function, infectious screening (FIV, FeLV)
4. Urinalysis: assess kidney-cloudiness or protein loss
5. Imaging: X-rays or ultrasound for fractures, abscesses, fluid, or tumor detection
6. Cytology/Biopsy: samples from pads, abscesses, tumors
7. Biochemical tests: clotting profile if thrombus suspected

Diagnostics focus on whether the issue is local or systemic. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}

💊 Vet‑Led Treatment Plans

Treatment of Localized Issues

• Infections/Abscesses: Drainage, antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin), pain meds, wound care
• Foreign bodies/Burns: Remove debris, clean, possibly bandage
• Pododermatitis/Eosinophilic lesions: Steroids, cyclosporine, topical soaks, immunotherapy
• Tumors/Bone disease: Surgery, chemo, or biopsy-guided therapy
• Ingrown nails: Trim nails, treat infections

Management of Generalized Conditions

• Organ disease (heart/kidney/liver): Use diuretics, diet changes, fluid therapy
• Edema from allergies/infection: Antihistamines, antibiotics, corticosteroids
• Saddle thrombus: Emergency pain relief, oxygen, anti-clot meds, physiotherapy

🏠 Home Support & Monitoring

• Keep cat rested, confined indoors
• Use soft bedding and ensure easy access to litter, food, and water
• Check and clean paws daily; apply vet-approved soaks or compresses
• Administer medications on schedule; monitor side effects
• Record swelling, paw warmth, appetite, energy with Ask A Vet app
• Support healing with Woopf pad-protective socks and Purrz supportive supplements

📋 Case Study: “Maya” With Paw Pad Autoimmunity

Presentation: Soft puffy metacarpal pads on all feet; no limping
Diagnostics: Paw biopsies ruled out infection—confirmed plasma cell pododermatitis
Treatment: Oral prednisone tapered, cyclosporine starter, topical soaks
Outcome: Pads returned to normal in 6 weeks, meds tapered—with low-dose maintenance ongoing

🛡️ Prevention & Long‑Term Care

• Trim nails regularly and use scratching posts
• Keep indoor cats away from debris, chemicals, extreme heat
• Maintain weight to reduce joint stress
• Schedule annual vet exams with blood and urine screening
• Provide parasite protection to prevent infections
• Track paw health and symptoms via Ask A Vet app

🌟 Why Vet‑Led & Integrated Care Matters in 2025

• Ask A Vet app: Share paw photos, swelling trends, medication reminders
• Woopf home tools: Paw wraps, pad soaks, bedding to ease pressure
• Purrz nutrition: Supplements for immune balance, skin and joint support

This combined care model allows for tailored diagnosis, fast vet intervention, and supportive home recovery—keeping your cat's paws healthy and pain-free in 2025 and beyond. 🐾