sore paw

Question
hi, my cat toby is 3 years old, and he got under my daughters feet the other day and she trod on his paw, he's been carrying the paw around the last couple of days, but he doesnt seem distressed at all. i really cant afford to go to a vet at the moment. he's eating okay, and still getting around outside,  he just wont put that paw down. do you think he would be in worse shape if it were actually broken?


Answer
Hi Doug.  SOrry for the lateness, I've had bronchitis.  As for your question, if you can't really afford to take the cat to the vet at the moment, keep Toby inside.  It will be for his best interests to do so, that way you can monitor his actions and see if he is struggling with movement on his paw.  If he's not putting it down at all, which you say is the case, he could have a sprain, but it could also be a fracture, in which case a visit to the vet is a necessity.  Ask your vet if you could set up a payment plan, based on what the cost will be.  If you've been a regular client for a few years, some vets will not have a problem doing this - since they only want what's best for your animal just like you do.

Good luck with Toby!