My cat is suddenly biting his paws and twitching. Should I bathe him?

Hello. This could be a behavioral issue, or a behavioral issue plus paronychia ( skin infection around the nail/claws ). Even though you do not see anything unusual, a veterinarian can examine the skin, do a skin impression to see if there is a population of bacteria or yeast organisms present around the nail beds. An appropriate treatment can then be started. Often, this could also be an indication, & the only evidence of, an allergy. Allergies can come from the food or the environment & can be challenging to distinguish in cats with mild symptoms. So it is very helpful to get professional help with this. Good luck & thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Oh goodness, that looks like a deep infection. It could be bacterial or fungal, but I suspect more likely bacterial. He needs to see a veterinarian for an examination and treatment plan. However, in the meantime if he will allow you to soak his foot in warm water and Epsom salts that may be soothing and beneficial. Best of luck and I hope he improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If all you are seeing is some ear and paw twitching and both are eating and drinking I don't think they need to be seen by a Vet. I would bathed them again and go over and over the spot that the Hartz was applied to. I hope this helps and I wish everyone the best!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor guy! Your pictures are adorable! Even though he is an indoor cat, fleas can still get inside. Your description makes me think he is very itchy and cats can act crazy when they are itchy. I would take a fine tooth comb and comb him on his back by his tail. Then wipe the comb on a white wet paper towel. If you see black squiggly flecks that dissolve with water to bloody streaks that is flea poop. Obviously if you see adult fleas you have an answer. Check his skin for scabs. Another possibility is full anal glands. Those would need to be checked by a Vet. If he is eating and otherwise fine have him checked about the holiday. Good luck!

It may be a contact allergy to something in the environment. I suggest you put an E-collar on him to stop the licking and apply this spray to the affected area. If after a week it is not better then take him to your vet for an exam. ( https://www.amazon.com/Pet-Cute-Comfy-Cone-Water-Resistant/dp/B01M9I7NGK/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=cat+soft+e+collar&qid=1580747169&sr=8-2 ) ( https://www.amazon.com/Vetericyn-Plus-Feline-Wound-Skin/dp/B01M28PQLR/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=vetericyn+cat&qid=1580747200&sr=8-8 )

Poor Baby! I would talk to your vet about whether a long acting steroid like depo-medrol may be beneficial as long as he is healthy enough and they don't think it will cause it to get worse. I would also make sure he is staying on a monthly high quality flea preventative as this can be a major cause for allergies in cats. Another option would be to ask for a referral to see a dermatologist or to find a alternative vet to discuss acupuncture or herbs as an option. I hope this helps and he starts to feel better really soon!

Hello. It is a little tough to tell exactly what is going on, so if you have a chance to let your vet take a look, that would be best. Are you having problems with fleas? That might be one reason he is so scratched up. Bathing in Dawn will help to control the fleas until he is old enough for a flea preventative. If not, then I would pick up a skin cleanser like Hibiclens at any pharmacy, dilute it about 50:50 with water & clean the irritated areas twice daily. Hopefully, this will clear up quickly. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.