How to Care for a Cat's Feet

Caring for your cat's feet can be a tricky business. You need to make sure his claws are healthy, yet you do not want to end up being scratched, or hurting your feline friend. This article will guide you through the steps to check his paws and keep them healthy.

Things You'll Need

  • Cat nail clippers
  • Clean, damp cloth
  • Gloves
  • Towel
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Instructions

  1. Caring for your Feline's feet

    • 1

      Keeping your cat's feet healthy is important for many reasons. Dirt and feces can become stuck in between the toes if your cat is older or a sloppy bather - or if his fur is extremely long. To keep this from happening, you need to be able to examine your cat safely. If your cat still has his claws, you will need a large towel, and possibly some gloves.

    • 2

      Wrap your cat securely in the towel. You may have to "scruff" him in order to do this. "Scruffing" a cat means you gather the loose skin behind his neck, as a mother cat does her kittens, and hold the skin tightly. Once your cat is securely wrapped in the towel and pressed tightly, but not TOO tightly to your body, carefully work out one paw at a time and examine it. Make certain there are no injuries, and that the area between the toes is healthy and somewhat clean. Most cat's paws will be very clean, but a little dirt is not harmful.

    • 3

      If there is dirt that needs to be removed, take your warm, moist cloth and gently clean the pad and between the toes. Your cat is not going to like this, so be prepared. Now is the time to clip your cat's claws if you want to keep them from being sharp. Make certain you do not cut him too close, or he will bleed all over you, and probably throw a fit as well.

    • 4

      Injuries require the same action as above, with the added necessity of applying an antiseptic and possibly a dressing to the foot. Be sure and contact a vet before you try and apply a dressing to a cat. They are incredibly difficult to keep a bandage on, and it may require professional help.

    • 5

      Should you find glass, splinters, or other foreign material - you may have to remove them with tweezers, and then follow up with normal wound care. Generally, cats will keep their own feet quite clean, but in weakened or older individuals, or breeds where there is exceptionally long hair between the toes, it is necessary to make checks of their feet. Once a month is sufficient, unless you are noticing the cat limping, or leaving tracks on the floor from dirt, feces, or blood.