Introduction
Does your cat race across the floor, only to suddenly pause, lift up a paw, and begin intently licking one of their paw pads? This behavior is often the first sign that a cat is experiencing dry, cracked paws. While licking provides temporary relief, it does not treat the underlying cause. Left untreated, dry paws can progress to painful infections. Fortunately, with a bit of knowledge and some simple care techniques, this common condition can usually be reversed.
In this article, we will explore the causes, risks, and treatments for dry, cracked cat paws. You will learn how to recognize early signs in your cat, determine when medical treatment is needed, and learn simple at-home remedies to restore comfort and vitality to your cat’s feet.
Anatomy of a Cat’s Paw
A cat’s paws have a complex anatomy that allows them to adeptly walk, hunt, climb, scratch, and more. Each front paw has 5 toes, with the innermost toe being the ‘dewclaw’ or ‘pollex’ that doesn’t touch the ground. The other 4 forward-facing toes on the front paw have soft padded toe beans on the undersides. Cats technically have 5 fingers per paw! On the back paws, cats have 4 main toes without the dewclaw. The toe beans provide traction and are very sensitive, which helps cats assess different surfaces.
Underneath the toes on both the front and back paws are several cushiony paw pads. The large central pad is called the metacarpal or metatarsal pad. There is also one pad behind each toe. These pads help absorb shock and provide grip when walking and jumping. The pads are rough and very resilient like tire treads. Between the pads are grooves that allow flexibility. The pads also help regulate temperature through sweat glands.
Cats have 4 sets of muscles, tendons, veins and arteries in each leg and paw that control fine motor skills for hunting, climbing and scratching. The joints between the toes are quite flexible. While a cat’s paw bones are similar to humans, they walk up on their toes, which angles the bones differently. Their paws contain semi-retractable claws used for hunting, defense and scratching. Overall, the anatomy of a cat’s paw allows for strength, flexibility, balance and sensitivity.
Sources:
https://www.petsmont.com/blogs/pets/cat-paw-anatomy
https://www.catster.com/guides/cat-paw-facts/
Causes of Dry, Cracked Paws
There are a few common causes of dry, cracked paw pads in cats:
Winter Weather – Cold winter weather can cause cats’ paw pads to become dry and cracked. The cold air outside combined with dry indoor heat can lead to excessively dry paw pads. Additionally, contact with snow and ice outdoors can exacerbate dryness (Source).
Scratching – Excessive scratching due to anxiety, allergies or other skin irritations can cause tears and cracks in the paw pads. The constant scratching motion damages the paw pad skin (Source).
Allergies – Allergies to food, fleas, or environmental irritants can cause itching, licking, and scratching that damages paw pads. The constant irritation from the allergic reaction leads to dry, cracked pads (Source).
Risks of Dry, Cracked Paws
If left untreated, dry and cracked paws can cause significant pain and discomfort for cats. The cracks in the paw pads provide an entry point for bacteria, leading to infections like pododermatitis or “pillow foot.” Pododermatitis is a bacterial infection of the paw that causes swelling, redness, and ulcerations (source). As the infection worsens, it can be very painful and make it difficult for the cat to walk.
In addition to infections, dry paw pads can trap litter and debris inside the cracks. This can further irritate the skin and cause more pain. Pictures of advanced pododermatitis show how severe cracked paws can become (source). Treating dry, cracked paws as early as possible is important to relieve pain and prevent complications.
Benefits of Moisturizing
Moisturizing your cat’s paws can provide several benefits:
Prevent cracking – Regularly applying moisturizer creates a protective barrier that seals in moisture, preventing paws from becoming dried out and cracking in the first place.
Soothe pain – If your cat already has cracked paws, moisturizer can soothe pain and irritation by rehydrating the skin. This source notes that moisturizing cracked paws provides comfort and promotes healing.
Heal cracks – In addition to soothing existing cracks, continued moisturizing can help heal them by softening hard, calloused skin and promoting new cell growth. The moisturizer fills in cracks to smooth and repair damaged paw pads.
What to Look for in a Paw Moisturizer
When selecting a moisturizer for your cat’s paws, look for products made with natural, pet-safe ingredients. Many human moisturizers contain ingredients that may be unsafe if ingested by cats, so it’s important to choose a product specifically formulated for feline use.
Opt for moisturizers made with gentle, soothing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, and beeswax. These oils and butters provide moisturizing fatty acids to nourish dry, cracked paw pads.
Avoid moisturizers with added fragrances, as cats have sensitive noses. Scent-free options are less likely to bother your cat or cause irritation.
Moisturizers made by reputable pet care companies that specialize in cat products are good options, as they often use natural, high-quality ingredients that are safe if licked.
Look for positive reviews from other cat owners to help identify moisturizers that are effective at healing cracked paws and safe to use.
Talk to your veterinarian if you have questions about choosing a safe, effective moisturizer for your cat’s paws.
How to Apply Paw Moisturizer
Applying paw moisturizer should be a gentle process to avoid causing your cat any discomfort. Start by putting a small amount of moisturizer on your fingertips and gently rubbing it into the pads and skin between the toes. Only use enough to lightly coat the paw area.
Avoid pressing too hard or rubbing vigorously. The skin on cat paws is thin and delicate. Massage the moisturizer in using gentle circular motions, like you would for a foot massage. Let your cat sniff the moisturizer first so they are not startled by the new smell and sensation.
For frequency, applying moisturizer 1-2 times per day is usually sufficient. Focus on times when your cat is relaxed or sleepy. Many cats will groom off some of the moisturizer, which helps distribute it around the paw area. Be mindful not to over-apply, as too much moisturizer may cause them to lick and ingest it.
Always monitor your cat closely during the first few moisturizer applications. Ensure they are comfortable with the process and not showing signs of distress or excessively licking. Ask your veterinarian if you have any concerns about the safety or tolerance of a particular moisturizer product.
Home Remedies
There are several effective home remedies that can help soothe and heal dry, cracked cat paws. Two popular natural moisturizers are coconut oil and shea butter.
Coconut oil is gentle on cat skin and contains fatty acids and vitamin E to moisturize paws. Apply a small amount of virgin coconut oil to your cat’s paws a few times per day, gently massaging it into the pads. Be sure to use food-grade coconut oil.
Shea butter is another excellent moisturizer derived from the African shea tree nut. It is non-toxic for cats and helps lock in moisture thanks to fatty acids and vitamins A and E. Gently rub a pea-sized amount into each paw daily.[1]
Both coconut oil and shea butter should be safe to lick off their paws, but monitor your cat to ensure they do not ingest too much.
When to See the Vet
In most cases, dry and cracked paw pads can be treated at home with moisturizers and by addressing the underlying cause. However, you should take your cat to see the vet if the cracking is severe, if there is bleeding, or if you notice signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, and discharge.
According to Hill’s Pet Nutrition, you should seek veterinary care if your cat’s pads are bleeding or oozing fluid. Bleeding indicates a deep crack or wound that requires medical treatment. Discharge or oozing fluid points to a possible infection that also needs veterinary attention.
Additionally, Encourage Pet Food recommends seeing your vet if the cracked paw pads do not improve within a few days of home treatment. Persistent cracking that fails to heal can signal an underlying medical issue or allergy. Your vet can do diagnostic testing and provide prescription medications to resolve the problem.
Left untreated, severe cracks, bleeding, and infections can lead to pain, lameness, and serious complications. So it’s important to get prompt veterinary care for significant paw pad problems in cats. Your vet can provide the proper treatment to heal your cat’s paws and restore their comfort.
Conclusion
In summary, keeping your cat’s paws properly moisturized provides several benefits. Moisturizing helps prevent cracked, dry paw pads and keeps your cat’s feet healthy and comfortable. Look for moisturizers specifically formulated for feline paws, with natural ingredients like shea butter and vitamin E. Apply the moisturizer gently but thoroughly to your cat’s paws every few days. This helps trap moisture in the pads and prevents cracking. If your cat’s paws become extremely dry or irritated, home remedies like petroleum jelly or coconut oil can provide relief. However, severe cracking or redness may need veterinary care. With proper moisturizing care and attention, your cat’s paws can stay supple and pain-free. Healthy paws allow your feline friend to play and pounce comfortably.
By regularly moisturizing your cat’s paws, you can help prevent painful cracks and irritation. This simple routine keeps your cat active and happy. Just be sure to use products specifically formulated for feline paws to reap the benefits safely.