Cat limping?

[ShimmeringFaerie]

So when I locked my cat in tonight, I noticed that he was limping. The problem seems to be one of his back paws. At first he was avoiding walking on it at all, but now he will step on it gingerly. I can't see any thorns, splinters, cuts, or any other physical signs that there is something wrong (apart from the limping). In addition, he meows angrily when I press on the paw (it's obviously tender), but apart from that, he seems perfectly normal and not upset.

I don't know what happened, but this is not the most graceful cat in the world, so I wouldn't be surprised if he has hurt it by landing awkwardly. He also tends to get prickles in his fur, so he may have step on one and hurt himself that way.

I know that the general advice is to take him to the vet. However, it doesn't seem to be serious and at this stage, being after 7pm and tomorrow being Christmas, I would have to take him to the emergency vet which charge far more than the normal vet (and they weren't especially helpful last time I had to take him there). I just don't want to be overprotective and rush him to the vet every time there is a little problem when it could get better overnight.

Obviously if it gets worse or I notice any swelling, more pain, or anything, I will be taking him to the emergency vet immediately. But does anyone have any advice for how to look after him at home for now? Should I be washing his paw or bandaging it or something? Or should I just try and get him to rest as much as possible?

[Agoraphobia♥]

Honestly, I think it would be best to leave it be and just try to get him to rest. If you start bandaging it and it's a splinter that could keep it from coming out, as for washing, that'll probably just upset your cat. Try to get him to rest and then if it gets worse take him to the emergency vet, otherwise see if it improves and after the holiday if it hasn't gotten better or doesn't seem to be getting better too much, take him to the vet.

[Apple Orchard Ghost]

Cats are pretty good at taking care themselves. Of course, most also won't let anyone take care of them either... If you bandage it, he'll probably rip it off and if you try to clean it, he'll probably get upset and might injure himself more. If it gets worse, take him to the emergency vet, otherwise just wait and see.