swollen and red skin around claw

I noticed this morning the skin around one of my cats claws was extremely red and swollen. I attempted to dampen it with a warm washcloth and try to get some of the dirt/litter debris stuck in there but he seemed to be in too much pain for me to continue. He is walking on it fine and it doesn’t seem to be bothering him too much, he licks at it every so often but nothing more than that. All of his other claws are fine. Could this be an infection or just irritation? He’s 3, an indoor cat and perfectly healthy otherwise. I’m not sure if this is something I should schedule a vet visit for or not. I’ve had cats my whole life but have never had any health issues regarding their claws. Any advice is appreciated! I don’t want to see him in any kind of pain but I’m not sure if it just needs to run it’s course like an irritated finger cuticle.

Industrial Building Windows

Hello! I live on the 8th floor of an old industrial building with screenlesss windows that open outward AND inward. Recently one of my little 5 month old kittens has become even more brave and curious and jumped onto the edge of the frame. I’m absolutely terrified she will get up there and fall. If it were up to me I’d just never open the windows again but I do live with a roommate who needs fresh air. Posting here in hopes that someone may have an idea that could help secure these windows. If anything happened to my sweet kitten I’d never forgive myself. I looked into flat cats screens but because the window opens both inward and outward I’m afraid that won’t work. Is there anything I can do to secure them or keep her from getting up there? Any and all suggestions appreciated.

At 6 months old & 8 lbs Thomas looks nearly fully grown to me. Is he just gonna be a big cat? Or did he just grow fast?

soaking up the last of the august sunshine

That Mittens is so hot right now!

Ralph is on the search for the brain cell

They are sharing the brain cell via osmosis

So many comfy beds, yet he chooses this one. Why? 😹

And he chewed up the box too. 😜

Processing... ⏳

Crookshanks recharging his brain cell in a sunbeam

My sweet old man baby