Is your feline friend limping around with cracked paw pads? Dry, irritated paws are unfortunately a common problem for our furry companions. Just like humans, cats can easily get dry skin that causes uncomfortable cracks and calluses on their paw pads.
Exposed to hot pavements, rough surfaces, snow, chemicals, and more, a cat’s paws take a beating. Even indoor kitties aren’t completely safe from dry, cracked pads.
While paw pad injuries look harmless, they can be very painful for cats and lead to infection. So it’s important we take action to heal and protect our cats’ sensitive paw pads. The good news is there are many simple and effective home remedies you can try.
In this complete guide, we will cover:
- Common causes of dry, cracked paw pads
- Preventative tips to protect paw pad health
- Soothing home treatments for cracked pads
- When to see the vet about pad injuries
- Products to heal cracked paws fast
Follow these tips and your cat’s paws will be soft, supple, and crack-free in no time!
What Causes Dry, Cracked Paws in Cats?
There are several common culprits behind dry, cracked paw pads in cats:
Hot Pavements and Rough Surfaces
Cats that go outside frequently run the risk of burning their paws on hot concrete or asphalt. Even short walks across scorching pavement is enough to cause dryness, blistering, and cracked pads.
Prolonged contact with any rough surface like concrete, rocks, or dirt can wear down and irritate the soft tissue of paw pads over time. Callouses and cracks develop as a response. Indoor cats are prone to this from scratching and climbing on rough surfaces at home.
Cold, Wet Weather
Frigid, snowy winter weather does just as much damage. The cold causes pads to dry out and chap. Contact with snow and ice leads to painful cracks and fissures.
Tip: Keeping cats indoors as much as possible during temperature extremes is key to protecting their paws.
Irritating Chemicals and Cleaners
Household chemicals, cleaners, ice melts, lawn products, automotive fluids – cats walking through or coming into contact with these caustic substances can burn, irritate, and dry out their pads.
Be very careful using any products around the house that a curious cat could step in. Thoroughly clean up and rinse away any outdoor products as well.
Allergies and Skin Conditions
Allergies to food or environmental triggers can cause itching, inflammation, and dry, scaly skin. Cats may excessively lick and chew paws in response, leading to cracked pads.
Other skin disorders like mange can also result in terribly dry, flaky skin and paw irritation in cats. See your vet if you suspect allergies or illness.
Obesity and Inactivity
Overweight and sedentary cats are more prone to cracked pads simply from lack of exercise. Pads can weaken and dry out when not exposed to different textures and surfaces.
Get tubby tabbies moving more to strengthen paws! Add scratching posts, towers, and toys to give inactive cats physical and mental stimulation.
Poor Nutrition
A diet deficient in fatty acids, vitamins and minerals can lead to dry skin and coat issues. Lack of omega-3 & omega-6 causes excessive paw pad wear and slower healing.
Feed high quality food and consider fatty acid supplements to nourish skin and pads from the inside out.
Excessive Paw Licking and Chewing
While moderate paw cleaning is normal, excessive licking and biting at paws is another culprit. Cats can nibble and pull at loose pieces of cracked pads, making things worse. Stop this behavior when you see it.
Tip: Use an Elizabethan collar and provide interactive toys to stop obsessive licking and chewing of injured paws.
Now that we’ve covered the main causes of cracked paw pads, let’s go over some easy preventative measures and home remedies to heal your cat’s dry, irritated feet.
7 Tips to Protect Cat Paws and Prevent Cracking
An ounce of prevention is absolutely worth a pound of cure when it comes to cracked paw pads. Here are some simple proactive tips to keep your cat’s paws supple and injury-free:
1. Walk Cats on Grass Instead of Concrete
Gentle grass is obviously much softer on tender paw pads than harsh concrete sidewalks and driveways. Letting your cat stroll on grass helps condition pads naturally.
If possible, avoid prolonged walks on rough or hot ground. Carry them or drive to a grassy park if need be. Their paws will thank you!
2. Trim Nails Regularly
Overgrown nails are more prone to snagging and pulling on already cracked pads, making things worse. Keep your cat’s nails neatly trimmed to prevent this. Ask your groomer or vet to show you how to clip properly.
3. Use Paw Wax or Moisturizer
Rub a little pet-safe paw balm or moisturizer into your cat’s pads before outdoor excursions. The wax creates a protective barrier against irritants. Shea butter, coconut oil, vitamin E, and beeswax balms are great for conditioning cracked pads. Reapply after returning indoors.
4. Rinse Chemicals Off Paws
If your cat happens to walk through something that could irritate their pads, rinse it off right away. Wipe or rinse paws gently with lukewarm water to dilute and remove lawn products, ice melts, automotive fluids, cleaners etc.
5. Choose Soft Surfaces and Bedding
Provide plush, cozy sleeping spots and cover rough surfaces at home. Cushioned beds, soft blankets, carpeted cat trees, and scratching posts are gentler on paws. Avoid uncovered wood floors, tiles, cement etc. that can further dry and crack pads.
6. Keep Paws Clean and Dry
Check paws after outdoor trips to wipe away any mud, dirt, salt, chemicals, or dampness. Grit and moisture trapped between toes and pads can lead to infection and irritation. Clean gently between toes with a warm, damp cloth. Always pat dry.
7. Feed Nutritious Cat Food
Look for high quality cat food with animal proteins, omega fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. A nutritious diet supports skin and pad health from the inside out. Consider omega-3 and omega-6 supplements too.
Making a few simple, proactive adjustments like the ones above can help significantly improve your cat’s paw pad resilience and overall foot health.
But what do you do when those cracked paw pads still strike? Check out the helpful home remedies next.
6 Soothing Home Remedies for Cracked Cat Paws
Even with the best care, your cat may still end up with dry, cracked, or peeling paws at some point. Try these natural home treatments to heal and repair painful pad injuries:
1. Soak Paws in Warm Water
Soaking your cat’s sore paws in shallow, warm water can bring instant relief. The moisture softens dry skin and allows it to absorb water and plump up.
Tip: Add a teaspoon of Epsom salts to the soak water to reduce inflammation too. Avoid soaking more than 5-10 minutes. Gently pat dry afterwards.
2. Massage in Vitamin E Oil
The antioxidants in vitamin E oil help repair cracked skin and stimulate new tissue growth. The thickness also seals in moisture. Apply a small amount to your cat’s clean, dry paws and massage in gently.
Do this 1-2 times per day until healed. Other oils like coconut, olive, avocado, or almond oil can also work wonders.
3. Try an Oatmeal Soak or Bath
Oatmeal contains soothing avenanthramides that reduce itching and inflammation. Make an oatmeal “tea” to soak your cat’s paws in. Or add colloidal oatmeal to kitty’s regular bath water. Rinse and pat dry afterwards.
4. Apply Healing Paw Balm or Wax
Specialized balms and waxes create a protective barrier over cracked pads while delivering nourishing, healing ingredients. Look for all-natural balms with vitamin E, beeswax, shea butter, hemp seed oil, calendula, etc. Gently massage into paws as needed.
5. Bandage Severely Cracked Paws
For deep cracks that won’t close, ask your vet about medicated bandages to keep the area clean and enclosed. Bandages prevent infection and further irritation while pads mend. Monitor for swelling and don’t wrap too tightly.
6. Talk to Your Vet About Medication
For recurrent or severe paw pad injuries, prescription anti-inflammatory and antibiotic ointments, gels or pills may be needed. Vets can dispense medications that soothe pain and itching while combating infection. But use medications only as directed.
While most minor cracked pads can be tended to at home, more extreme cases need professional veterinary attention. Here are some signs it’s time to call the vet:
When to See the Vet for Cracked Paws
- Deep cracks that bleed or won’t close
- Pads that are oozing discharge or pus
- Obvious infection with redness, heat, and swelling
- Limping, licking, chewing due to pain
- Cracks persist longer than 1-2 weeks
- Paw irritation along with other symptoms
- Signs of an underlying illness or disease
Tip: Take a photo of your cat’s injured paws to show the vet the damage. Describe when it started, how long it’s lasted, and what you’ve tried at home to treat it.
Let your vet examine kitty’s paws and make sure the injury isn’t a symptom of something more serious like an autoimmune disease, allergy, or metabolic disorder.
Based on the cause and severity, the vet may suggest:
- Topical ointments, gels or bandage material
- Antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medication
- Bloodwork, skin scrapings or biopsy
- Diet change or supplements
- Applying kitty mitts or booties
- Recommending a cat behaviorist for obsessive licking issues
While cracked pads usually aren’t emergencies, it’s still vital to get proper veterinary advice and treatment. This ensures your cat’s comfort and prevents lasting damage to their precious paws.
Now let’s look at some of the best over-the-counter products to treat cracked cat paws right from home.
Top Products to Heal Cracked Paw Pads Fast
Here are some of my top picks for OTC products to help repair cracked, irritated paws:
1. Paw Perfect Pet Paw Balm
- Natural beeswax, castor oil, calendula
- Long-lasting hydration and protection
- Helps heal cracks and calluses
- Simple to apply before walks
2. Nutri-Vet Pet-Ease Paw Guard
- Thick wax creates a protective glove
- Contains vitamin E, tea tree oil
- Anti-bacterial and anti-fungal
- Conditions skin as it heals
3. Burt’s Bees Paw and Nose Lotion
- 99% natural ingredients
- Nourishes with rosemary and olive oil
- Soothes and softens dry, cracked skin
- Light and non-greasy for tender paws
4. Vet’s Best Pad Bandage
- Sterile gauze pads with adhesive backing
- Stays on even if paws get wet
- Cushions and protects severe cracks
- Allows air flow for healing
5. Bag Balm Medicated Ointment
- Hand salve trusted since 1899
- Antiseptic and antimicrobial action
- Contains lanolin to deeply moisturize
- Used on animals for generations
Whichever products you choose, be diligent in applying them according to package directions. It can take weeks for severely damaged paws to fully mend and regenerate healthy tissue. But with patience and proper care, those cracked pads can be smoothed.
Conclusion
Dry, cracked paw pads are no fun for our beloved feline companions. But with prevention methods, home remedies, and the right treatments, you can get your cat’s paws back in tip top shape.
Healing irritated paws starts with identifying the underlying cause, whether it’s hot pavement, winter weather, chemicals, allergies, or something else. Address the source of the problem first and foremost.
Simple solutions like paw soaks, moisturizers, pad balms, and bandages can provide soothing relief right at home in most cases. Supplementing your cat’s diet with fatty acids and vitamins also nourishes skin and pads from the inside out.
Don’t let cracked pads go untreated – they can worsen and become infected very easily. Seek veterinary care for deep, persistent cracks or any signs of illness. With the vet’s help, your kitty will be moving pain-free and letting the fur fly once again.
Here’s to happy, healthy paws ahead for your feline companion! Let us know if these tips have helped get your cat’s paws back in top condition.
