Cats are naturally inclined to explore
Cats are curious animals that like to patrol their territory and hunt, even when kept indoors. Their paws can pick up dirt as they walk around and explore. According to Petplan, “Roaming is a completely normal behavior because, quite simply, cats are curious! They love to keep themselves up to date with their environment” (source). Even indoor cats have a desire to patrol, explore new areas, and investigate anything novel or interesting in their environment. This natural inclination to roam and satisfy their curiosity can lead to dirt on their paws as they traverse around the home.
Cats groom themselves frequently
Cats are fastidious groomers and will spend a good portion of their day licking and cleaning themselves. According to Hill’s Pet Nutrition, cats begin grooming themselves around 4 weeks old, starting by licking their fur and paws (1). The grooming action spreads saliva over their coat, which collects dirt in the process. As cats lick and nibble at their paws during grooming sessions, any debris and dirt from their fur can transfer onto their paws. The grooming ritual is a normal part of a cat’s hygiene routine, but results in visibly dirty paws.
North Road Veterinary Clinic notes that most cats spend 30-50% of their day on self-grooming behaviors (2). All that licking and nibbling leaves behind evidence of their cleaning efforts. So even an indoor cat with minimal outdoor access can end up with dingy-looking paws over the course of a normal grooming day.
Litter from the litter box
Cats step in litter when using the litter box. Particles can stick to their paws and get tracked around the house. As cats scratch around in the litter, granules and dust can become trapped between their toes and pads (https://www.totallypurrfect.com/litter-getting-stuck-in-cat-paws/). When they jump out of the box, that litter often falls off inside the home. Kittens and long-haired cats may be more prone to getting litter stuck in paws.
To minimize tracking, place mats in front of litter boxes and clean them often. Gently wipe your cat’s paws with a damp cloth after they use the litter box to remove any clumped granules (https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-Litter-from-Clumping-in-Your-Kitty%27s-Paws). Try using litter that doesn’t clump as much or sticking to paws.
Dust and dirt around the house
Normal household dust, dirt and debris like hair can collect on cat paws as they walk around. Vacuuming frequently can help reduce this. As noted on Quora, having multiple air cleaners around the house will help trap dust before it settles on surfaces.
Regular dusting and wiping surfaces down can also cut down on dust buildup over time. Using blankets on furniture as suggested on Why Bother can make cleaning and reducing dust easier since the blankets can be washed frequently.
Plants release dirt
If you have indoor houseplants, cats exploring and digging around them can get dirt from the soil on their paws. Cats are naturally curious creatures and many enjoy digging in potted plants or batting the leaves around. This can lead to dirt accumulating on their paws as they play. According to research, covering the soil with materials like aluminum foil or rocks can help deter cats from digging in plant soil (1). You can also try using cat repellent sprays made specifically for plants. Ultimately, keeping plants out of reach is the best way to keep their paws clean. If your cat does manage to get dirty paws from an indoor plant, you can clean them using a gentle cat paw cleaner or damp towel. Just be aware that houseplants are a potential source of dirt on indoor cats’ paws.
(1) https://www.preventivevet.com/cats/how-to-keep-your-cats-out-of-your-houseplants
Dirt from outdoor access
Even if a cat is mainly indoors, paws can pick up dirt and debris if they go outside even briefly through a window or door. According to the American Humane Society, an indoor cat who has supervised access to a balcony or enclosed patio will likely have cleaner paws than one who dashes out doors and windows [1]. When cats go outside, their paws come into contact with all kinds of things that can make them dirty.
Outdoor areas contain dirt, mud, and sand that cling to cat paws. Bits of grass and leaves also hitch rides into the home. Cats may step on sticks or pinecones shedding sap and debris. Even a short jaunt outdoors means the cat’s paws pick up traces of whatever is outside.
In addition to natural materials, outdoor areas also contain man-made debris. Bits of litter, gravel, or glass can become lodged in paw pads. Oil drips and gasoline spills also end up on sidewalks and driveways, inevitably getting onto cat paws.
The best way to keep cat paws clean is to prevent or limit outdoor access. Supervise windows and doors to reduce escaped cats. Use enclosed patios or outdoor cat runs to allow fresh air without the mess. Be diligent about wiping down paws after any outdoor time.
Bathing cats
While not needing frequent baths, occasional bathing can help remove built up dirt and debris from paws and fur. Cats are fastidiously clean animals that groom themselves multiple times a day, so frequent bathing is not necessary. However, bathing once every 4-6 weeks can help wash away any dirt, grease or debris that builds up on your cat’s coat and paws over time (https://www.purina.co.uk/articles/cats/health/daily-care/do-cats-need-baths).
When bathing a cat, be sure to use a gentle, cat-safe shampoo and lukewarm water. Speak in a calm, soothing voice and give your cat treats and praise throughout the bath. Avoid getting water in your cat’s ears and eyes. Gently massage the shampoo into their fur and rinse thoroughly. Dry your cat with a towel afterwards, making sure their ears are clean and dry. The whole process should be a calm, relaxing experience for your cat (https://www.marthastewart.com/2226792/how-bathe-your-cat).
With proper care and technique, occasional bathing can freshen up your cat’s coat and keep their paws free of dirt and debris that may build up from indoor life.
Grooming tools
Regular nail trims and using deshedding tools can remove dirt and loose hair before it collects on paws. According to 8 Best Cat Brushes and Combs for Grooming, using the right grooming tools regularly can help minimize dirt buildup. Slicker brushes are great for removing loose fur and preventing mats. Good options include the Four Paws Gentle Slicker Cat Brush which is comfortable for cats. Also useful are dematting tools like the Safari Cat Shedding Comb which helps detangle and remove loose hairs. Using these types of grooming tools often can reduce the amount of dirt and debris that gets caught in paw pads.
Paw cleaning wipes
Gentle pet wipes designed for paws can spot clean between baths and remove some dirt buildup. Petkin Paw Wipes Plus are popular paw cleaning wipes made with natural ingredients like aloe vera, lanolin, and vitamin E to clean and moisturize paws (https://www.amazon.com/Petkin-Paw-Wipes-100-count/dp/B003O6MY6U). They come in a convenient dispenser pack for easy use. IVS Paw/Nose Wipes are extra thick and absorbent wipes that can tackle messes on paws, noses, and other areas (https://ivspet.com/collections/pet-wipes). Using paw cleaning wipes daily or a few times a week can help reduce buildup of dirt, mud, litter, and allergens. Just a quick wipe down keeps paws fresher in between baths. Be sure to choose a gentle formula without harsh chemicals.
Preventative measures
There are some simple steps you can take to help prevent your indoor cat’s paws from getting dirty:
- Keep litter boxes clean – Scoop out clumps and change litter regularly to minimize tracking. Consider using mats around and under litter boxes.
- Vacuum frequently – Regular vacuuming can pick up dirt, dust, and hair that cats may walk through and get stuck on their paws. Focus on high traffic areas.
- Wipe paws after outdoor time – If your cats go outside at all, be sure to wipe down their paws when they come back inside. This removes dirt right away before they track it around.
Staying on top of these simple preventative measures can greatly cut down on dirt build up on your cats’ paws. By keeping litter boxes fresh, vacuuming often, and wiping paws after being outside, you remove sources of dirt at the start.