Swollen Toes (Paw Pads) in Cats

Swollen toes may be a symptom of significant underlying disease, including immune dysfunction, allergies, tumors, traumatic injury, or infection
Cats with swollen toes may excessively lick their paws, develop open sores that bleed or ooze fluid, have difficulty walking, or vocalize when the paws are touched or handled
Some of the conditions that cause swollen toes may also cause other symptoms like fever, appetite loss, and lethargy
A thorough examination by a veterinarian is required to identify the underlying issue in some cases of cats with swollen toes
In addition to physical examination, diagnosis of the underlying condition may require biopsy, blood work, and diagnostic imaging
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the swelling, but may include anti-inflammatories and analgesics (painkillers)

Are you concerned?

Connect with a vet to get more information about your pet’s health.

Book an online vet

A closer look: Swollen Toes (Paw Pads) in Cats

Swelling of the toes is an uncommon finding in cats. If swelling of the toes is noticed with no other symptoms, non-urgent veterinary care is recommended.

Insect bites or stings can cause swelling, including in the toe pads, as well as serious allergic reactions. **Cats that are lethargic, having difficulty breathing, salivating excessively, vomiting, or have a blue tinge to the gums or tongue may be suffering from anaphylaxis and require emergency veterinary care. **

Connect with a vet to get more information

With verified licenses and excellent reviews from pet parents like you for this type of symptom

Book an online vet

Possible causes

Swollen toes can be indicators of several different conditions.

Examples include

Feline Plasma Cell Pododermatitis (PCP) Autoimmune Skin Lesions (Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex) in Cats

Atopic dermatitis

Allergies in Cats Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD) in Cats Grass Awn Migration (Foxtails) in Cats Diabetes Mellitus in Cats Hyperthyroidism in Cats Cushing's Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism) in Cats Burns in Cats Frostbite in Cats Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Cats Mast Cell Tumor (Mastocytoma) in Cats Limb Fractures in Cats Hot Spots (Pyotraumatic Dermatitis) in Cats Skin Abscesses in Cats Fungal Infection (Coccidioidomycosis) in Cats

Risk factors

Toe swelling can range from mild and barely noticeable to severe swelling that can impact mobility. One or more limbs may be affected. The severity of swelling and number of limbs affected do not necessarily indicate the severity of the underlying condition, so a thorough examination by a veterinarian is required.

Testing and diagnosis

A cat presenting with swollen paw pads usually requires some or all of the following diagnostics to determine the best course of action:

Physical examination: The veterinarian will focus on the feet and limbs, assessing pain and discomfort and looking for potential reasons for the swelling.
Blood work: The blood work may indicate whether the swelling is non-infectious or infectious and can also be useful for identifying systemic underlying problems
Cytology: A needle is used to sample small numbers of cells from the paw pad for microscopic analysis
Biopsy: A tissue section from the paw pad is taken and submitted for evaluation
Allergy testing: May include intradermal testing, food trials or environmental management
Endocrine testing: To rule out endocrine disease which may cause swelling
Diagnostic imaging: X-rays or ultrasound may be used to examine the feet for abnormalities, such as tumors or abscesses

Treatment is dependent on the diagnosis. In some cases, the veterinarian may recommend analgesics and/or anti-inflammatories to make the cat more comfortable while diagnosis or treatment is in process.