Cat's toe is swollen and losing fur

Hello,

I recently noticed of my cat's "toe's" has lost fur and became swollen.  Basically the area around one of his claws.  He does not seem to show any discomfort when walking or running.  To make matters slightly worse, he keeps licking the area.  I'm not sure if he has chewed off the fur or if it fell off by itself.  Maybe this area has become infected?  I let him outside for about an hour day.  He is a 3 year old siamese.  No recent changes to his food or litter.

Any help is appreciated!

He needs a vet ASAP. It looks like he somehow damaged the nail and it has become infected. It could have gotten caught on something while playing or he landed wrong or it just grew into the pad. Its too swollen to really tell for sure. But it probably hurts and he can't fix it on his own.

If you could see the reason clearly (a spot bleeding) I would say you could try home treatment. But without an obvious cause its better to go to the vet.

I am a human doctor, not a vet but the pad looks infected, it has swollen around the claw and is reddened.  I agree that he should be seen by a vet as soon as possible, this is something that cannot be treated by yourself

With best wishes,

Geoffrey.

Thanks everyone.  I will take him to the vet as soon as I can!

Infection!  Vets ASAP!