Our sometimes-feral cat Scrappy has been fiesty lately. The previous two nights I’ve heard him picking a fight with random cats which stray into our yard. Last night he didn’t show up for his regular night time meal, and this morning he was in our garage (through his cat door) and meowing pitifully. He’s favoring his left front paw. I picked him up and checked it. It does seem a bit swollen, but not noticeably hot or anything, and while it’s sensitive, he did let me touch it without very much squawking. He didn’t take any food or water, but still yeowls periodically. I’ve moved him back onto his favorite blanket in the garage, and made sure he’s got food, water, and a litter box.

I don’t think it’s broken, but if he’s still not walking tomorrow, I’ll take him to the vet. Other than what I’ve done, is there anything you can do? Are any kind of drugs like aspririn or tylenol appropriate for cats?

Poor little guy.