Introduction
Growths on a cat’s paws are relatively common. There are several different types of growths that can occur, including warts, cysts, tumors, and calluses. Studies show that around 13% of cats with skin lesions have growths on their paws. The most prevalent types are warts, cysts, and tumors.
Warts are small, rough bumps caused by a viral infection. They are usually not harmful but can be irritating. Sebaceous cysts are bumps filled with an oily, thick substance and are also typically benign. Tumors can be either benign or malignant. Common tumors include mast cell tumors, squamous cell carcinoma, and soft tissue sarcomas. Some tumors are cancerous and require removal.
While many growths are harmless, it’s important to have any new lumps or bumps examined by a vet, as some may require treatment. Catching growths early provides the best prognosis.
Causes
There are several potential causes for growths on a cat’s paws, including:
Allergies: Allergic reactions to things like pollen, flea bites, food, or chemicals can cause inflamed skin irritation and calluses on a cat’s paw pads. The keratin builds up to protect the irritated area. Allergies are one of the most common reasons cats develop horned paws (see https://www.rover.com/blog/cat-horned-paws/).
Injuries/Trauma: Injuries and trauma like cuts, abrasions, or burns can cause thick calluses and keratin growths as the skin tries to heal and protect itself. Stepping on a sharp object or rough surface frequently may also irritate the paws over time (see https://wagwalking.com/cat/condition/foot-toe-cancer).
Parasites: Parasites like ringworm fungus can infect the paws and cause scaly, crusty growths. Mites and fleas can also bite and irritate the skin, leading to calluses and horned paw growths.
Cancer: While rare, squamous cell carcinoma is the most common tumor seen on cat paw pads. It usually appears as a wart-like mass that may ulcerate. Older cats are more prone to developing paw cancers.
Immune Disorders: Autoimmune diseases where the cat’s immune system attacks its own skin can result in inflamed, thickened skin on the paws. This includes conditions like pemphigus foliaceus.
Symptoms
There are several symptoms that may indicate growths on a cat’s paws, including:
- Visible lump/mass – One of the clearest signs is a visible lump or mass protruding from the cat’s paw pads or between their toes. This may be a round, raised bump or a horn-like spike.
- Swelling – The paw or area around growths may appear puffy, inflamed or swollen. This swelling indicates inflammation.
- Redness – Inflamed skin around lumps or masses often appears red and irritated. Redness usually accompanies swelling.
- Limping – Growths on the paws, especially between the toes, can cause pain and limping. Cats may avoid placing pressure on the affected paw when walking.
- Licking of paws – Excessive licking and biting at the paws is a sign of discomfort. Cats may lick and chew at irritated growths in an attempt to relieve pain.
In most cases, growths on the paws are not immediately life-threatening but can impact a cat’s quality of life. Monitoring for changes and consulting a vet are recommended. Early evaluation and treatment provide the best outlook.
Diagnosis
To diagnose growths on a cat’s paws, the vet will first do a thorough physical exam, closely inspecting and palpating the growths. They will note the location, size, shape, color, texture, and any other characteristics of the masses.
The next step is often a biopsy, where the vet takes a small sample of the growth for examination under a microscope. This allows them to analyze the cells and identify if it is cancerous.[1] A biopsy is key for an accurate diagnosis.
The vet may also run blood tests to check for signs of infection or inflammation. Bloodwork can also help rule out issues with other organs that may cause paw growths.
Advanced imaging such as x-rays, MRI, or CT scans are sometimes used to evaluate the extent of the growths, especially if cancer is suspected. This allows the vet to see how deep the masses extend into the paw tissue.[2]
Treatments
There are several treatment options for growths on a cat’s paws, depending on the type, size, and location of the growth. Some common medical treatments include:
Medications – Vets may prescribe antibiotic ointments or anti-inflammatory medications to apply to the affected area, which can help reduce pain, inflammation, and risk of infection. Oral antibiotics or pain medications may also be given.[1]
Surgery – Surgical removal is often necessary for larger horned growths or ones that interfere with the cat’s mobility. This is done under anesthesia and the growth is cut off at the base. The wound is then closed with sutures or allowed to heal openly.[2]
Radiation – Radiation therapy may be used to shrink or destroy cancerous horned growths that cannot be fully removed through surgery. This is done in multiple sessions spaced out over time.[1]
Cryotherapy – Liquid nitrogen may be applied to small, benign horned growths to freeze and destroy abnormal tissue. Several treatments are usually needed for full removal.[2]
Home Remedies
Some natural home remedies can help soothe a cat’s swollen paw and provide pain relief. These remedies are easy to do at home and involve ingredients you may already have.
Hot and cold compresses can help reduce inflammation and discomfort. A warm compress helps improve blood flow and relax muscles, while a cold compress constricts blood vessels to numb pain. Alternate 5-10 minutes of hot and cold compresses on the affected paw 2-3 times a day. Make sure the water isn’t too hot or too cold to prevent further injury.
Herbal treatments using calendula, chamomile, echinacea, and aloe vera may also provide anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. These can be applied topically by making a paste with the fresh herbs or diluted essential oils. Lightly rub the paste onto the swollen area 2-3 times a day. You can also steep the dried herbs in hot water to make a paw soak.
Other natural options include Manuka honey applied topically for its antibacterial properties, or Epsom salt soaks to reduce swelling and tenderness. Always monitor your cat closely when using home remedies and see your vet if symptoms worsen or don’t improve within a few days.
Prevention
There are a few things cat owners can do to help prevent horned paws from developing:
Keep areas clean – Keeping your cat’s living areas clean can help minimize trauma and irritation to their paw pads. Vacuum and mop floors regularly, especially around litter boxes and food bowls where cats spend a lot of time. Wipe down surfaces with pet-safe cleaners.
Check paws regularly – Examine your cat’s paws every few days looking for any cuts, wounds, growths or irritation. Check between toes and pads. Treating small wounds early can prevent further trauma.
Avoid trauma – Try to minimize situations that could cause trauma to paw pads. Keep floors smooth and clutter free. Trim nails regularly to avoid scratches. Use scratching posts and pads to protect paws. Discourage jumping from high places onto hard surfaces.
Prognosis
The prognosis for growths on a cat’s paws depends on the underlying cause. Growths can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). With benign growths like keratin horn cysts, the prognosis is generally good if they are treated early before becoming overly irritated or infected 1. For malignant cancers like squamous cell carcinoma, the prognosis varies depending on how early it is detected and how far it has spread. Catching it early greatly improves the prognosis.
In general, the earlier any concerning growths on a cat’s paws are detected and diagnosed, the better the prognosis will be. Any growths that persist, recur, bleed, or seem painful should be evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Benign masses can usually be fully cured with removal, while malignant cancers may require surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or amputation of digits or the limb to prevent further spread. Regular at-home monitoring of a cat’s paws and bringing any abnormalities to the vet’s attention quickly are key to an optimal prognosis.
When to See a Vet
If you notice any new lumps or bumps on your cat, it’s important to have them examined by a veterinarian. Lumps can be harmless fatty tumors, but they can also indicate more serious conditions like cancer. Bring your cat to the vet promptly if you find any new growths.
You should also have any existing lumps evaluated again if they start to change size or color. Rapid growth or changes can signify a benign lump is turning cancerous. Redness, bleeding, and ulceration are also reasons to get lumps rechecked.
Lumps on your cat’s legs, especially around joints, require urgent vet attention. Quickly growing masses in these areas can impede movement and mobility. Difficulty walking or limping associated with leg lumps indicates a need for immediate examination.
Finally, even slow-growing or non-changing lumps should be monitored long-term and evaluated annually. Early detection and treatment greatly improve outcomes for feline cancers like mast cell tumors. Discuss any lumps found on your cat with your veterinarian, even if they seem inert.
For more information, see [WebMD](https://www.webmd.com/pets/cats-lumps-bumps-skin) and [MobileVetMD](https://www.mobilevetmd.com/blog/lumps-and-bumps-in-pets-whats-normal-and-when-to-worry/).
Conclusion
To recap, there are various things that could be growing out of your cat’s paws, from harmless growths like corns and calluses, to more concerning conditions like tumors or infections. Key signs to watch for include any lumps, bumps, wounds or swelling on your cat’s paws.
It’s important to regularly inspect your cat’s paws and take note of any changes. If you spot any abnormal growths, evidence of infection, or your cat seems to be in pain or distress, promptly take them to see the vet for an examination. The earlier a veterinary issue is diagnosed, the better the outcome is likely to be.
With regular at-home paw inspections, prompt vet visits when needed, and following any treatment instructions, you can help keep your cat’s paws healthy. Monitor their paws vigilantly and don’t hesitate to get veterinary advice if you notice anything unusual. Healthy paws are essential for your cat’s comfort and mobility.