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My cat is limping on his front paw and losing hair. What's wrong?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 6 years and 11 months old

My cat has been limping for almost 2 days his front paw seems to be hurt. He can still get around and jump up a little without using his hurt paw. When i touched his paw he seemed ok i'm thinking it might be his paw or paw pads/claws. He also has a patch of hair missing.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on December 31, 2016

It could be an abscess or a nail injury, you will need to take Fuzzy to the vet in order to get it checked, in most cases an antibiotic injection and a few days of pain killers will solve the problem.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on May 13, 2018
This looks like a puncture wound, i suspect he is suffering from an abscess or infection in the leg due to this injury, you will need to take him to the vet in order to get it checked and treated, he will need an antibiotic course at the very least.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on October 5, 2017
It sounds like he hurts pretty bad! If there is an emergency clinic available in your area I would recommend having him seen tonight, otherwise I would try to get him in to your regular veterinarian tomorrow morning. Trauma and potentially infection or abscess are high on my list of possible problems. They may recommend an x-ray. Good luck and I hope he improves soon!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident
Published on August 28, 2017
Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Yes, it could be a fracture though other things like a soft tissue injury or even an injury of one of his nails is more likely. I recommend that you have your veterinarian examine him to further assess the possible origin of his lameness. If it is a local wound, then this can be addressed at that time. In the meantime, decrease his activity as much as possible to avoid further trauma of a local injury. Good luck! Keeping my fingers crossed for a speedy recovery!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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