Symptoms

• A cat with an infected paw may limp or favor the paw. The paw becomes red, swollen and warm. An infected paw may produce discharge or a foul odor.
  
  

Cause

• Paw infections arise when bacteria enter an open wound on the paw and begin reproducing.
  
  

Diagnosis

• Your veterinarian will perform a routine physical examination and examination of your cat's foot to determine the cause of the infection. For more severe infections, your vet may run blood tests.
  
  

Treatment

• Treatment includes a thorough cleaning of the infected foot as well as topical antibiotic medication applied to the foot. Oral antibiotics may be used to fight the infection from the inside. Occasionally, surgery is required to remove severely infected areas.
  
  

Warning

• Seek treatment for your cat's infected foot immediately, as the infection may spread to other parts of the cat's body. If the infection becomes too severe, it may necessitate removal of the infected foot or even result in the death of your cat.