The pads of a cat’s paws are sensitive enough to measure the temperature of the surface it walks on and also to estimate the texture of its prey.
But of course, the pads are also durable and are designed to withstand some poking and tearing while walking. Depending on the type of cat’s fur, changes in the color of the pads can also be observed.
How to treat injuries on cat paw pads
Check your cat’s paw pads:
Cats that are more likely to be in contact with the outdoors and are more exploratory are especially prone to paw pad injuries. You should therefore check your cat’s paw pads for the following main warning signs:
- Lameness
- Signs of pain
- Difficulty moving
If your cat has sustained a minor injury to the paw pad, the following steps should be taken for proper healing:
- Clean with lukewarm water only, rinsing thoroughly until you can properly assess the injury.
- If you notice a splinter or something else stuck in the paw, remove it with tweezers.
- Soak sterilized gauze in hydrogen peroxide and moisten the entire area liberally with this product, as the hydrogen peroxide will act as an antiseptic, preventing any possibility of infection.
- Apply a spray or gel with chlorhexidine digluconate, which is safe for pets, to the wound.
- Bandage the wound with sterile gauze and secure it with hypoallergenic tape.
- Perform this procedure daily until the wound is completely healed and ensure that your cat can walk normally again.
If you wish to use a more natural remedy, simply replace chlorhexidine digluconate with 100% natural aloe vera pulp. The pulp of this cactus will help reduce pain and inflammation and also speed up the healing and tissue repair process.
Monitor the progress of wound healing:
If bleeding persists or if there is no improvement in the healing process, you need to see a veterinarian immediately, as a minor intervention may be necessary, which only a veterinarian is authorized to perform.
This article is for informational purposes only, Tekpolis is not authorized to prescribe veterinary treatment or make diagnoses. We encourage you to take your pet to a veterinarian in the event of illness or difficulty.
If you would like to read more articles like this, we recommend visiting our Animals category.
