How to Heal a Sore Paw Pad on a Cat

Watching your cat hobble or wince in pain when bearing weight on a paw can be frustrating and worrisome. Cats occasionally sustain injuries as a result of their curiosity or an encounter with another animal. While most injuries aren't severe, some require veterinary attention. If your cat suffers from a sore paw pad, keeping the paw clean and the cat indoors for several days while the pad heals will result in a speedy recovery.

Things You'll Need

  • Antiseptic scrub
  • Towel
  • Rectal or oral thermometer
  • Water-soluble lubricant
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Instructions

    • 1
      Close inspection of your cat's paw pad can show cracks, scrapes or other irritants.

      Inspect the paw to ensure that no protruding items such as a splinter or other debris are embedded in the paw pad. Gently remove any surface debris from the pad. Lightly feel the rest of the leg for swelling or heat, which can signify additional pain, injury or infection. If you do find a splinter or other object deeply embedded in your cat's paw that can't be removed easily with a pair of tweezers, contact your veterinarian immediately. Your vet will remove it and provide specific aftercare instructions.

    • 2

      Clean the paw pad thoroughly with warm water and antiseptic scrub. Rinse thoroughly. If desired, soak the paw in lukewarm water for several minutes to remove any residual debris that may irritate your cat's paw. If a splinter is protruding, remove it with sterile scissors and irrigate the wound with antiseptic solution. Dry the paw with a clean towel and apply antibiotic ointment to the lesion. Check the paw several times a day for signs of infection, such as swelling, heat or pus, and clean it with antiseptic solution as needed, especially after she uses her litter box.

    • 3

      Check your cat for signs of a fever. A cat's normal temperature is 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Signs of a fever include depression, lethargy, loss of appetite, shivering or rapid breathing. If you suspect your cat has a fever, take her temperature rectally. Apply a water-soluble lubricant to the thermometer, lift her tail and carefully insert the thermometer about an inch into her rectum. Wait two minutes for a mercury thermometer or until a digital thermometer beeps. If you have difficulty restraining your cat, wrap her loosely in a towel with her rear end exposed. Take a cat with a temperature beyond 102.5 to the veterinarian for examination and treatment.

    • 4

      Keep your cat contained in a room where she'll stay quiet and indoors while the paw heals. Choose a room with a window so she will be entertained, and place a cozy bed or blanket and a few toys in the room.

    • 5

      Contact your veterinarian if your cat's paw does not show significant improvement in 3 days. If the paw becomes swollen, hot, or have discharge or pus, your cat may have a secondary infection requiring medical attention.