I have a litter of 3 kittens which are 4 days old. Today I noticed a problem with one of the kittens. One of its back legs has got what looks like a cut on it & the foot on the same leg is huge compared to the other feet. Any ideas what this could be?? If money wasn't an issue, I wouldn't hesitate to get this little fella to a vets. Unfortunately though, I simply cannot afford vet fees right now. Its my own fault really, I thought I was doing a good thing by taking in a very unhealthy looking stray cat, which turned out to be pregnant. I have fed & looked after this cat & to be honest I think I would have still done the same if I had known it was pregnant. In a very short time I have got very attached to this cat, she is part of the family now. I just don't know what to do about this little kitten. Do you think it could be something that could heal itself without the need of a vet??

It's possible that mommy, or one of his siblings, accidentally scratched him and the cut got infected.

You can try using a q-tip or paper towel and clean the area as best you can with warm water. I would hesitate to use anything else on a kitten so young.

Have you tried calling a vet and asking them for suggestions on how to clean a cut on a newborn? They may have suggestions, or something you can buy without needing an actual vet visit.

No, It is just the same as the other feet only a lot bigger, as though it is swollen!

The cut you noticed could be infected. That's why I suggested cleaning it. Try applying gentle pressure to the area around the cut and see if it squeezes any pus or discharge out. If so, then it is definitely infected and you should talk to a vet about what will be safe to use to clean it.

Kittens have almost no immune system, especially that young. It is all too easy for a small cut to get infected and for the infection to get into the baby's bloodstream and kill it.