How to Get Pitch Out of Your Cat's Paw

Tree pitch -- often referred to as sap -- is the sticky substance that flows out of sapwood. Seasonal changes often cause trees to ooze pitch, which can quickly cover everything, including pets. If your cat gets pitch in its fur or on its paw, the fur may become matted and your cat may have trouble using its claws. The longer pitch stays on your cat's paws, the harder it will be to remove.

Things You'll Need

  • Cat treats
  • Petroleum jelly
  • Canola oil
  • Mineral oil
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Instructions

    • 1

      Rub petroleum jelly into the pitch. This softens it, which makes it easier to remove. Some of the sap should loosen right away. Gently pull it out of your cat's fur.

    • 2

      Rinse your cat's paw with water and rub with a dry washcloth to remove excess petroleum jelly. Then apply canola oil to your cat's fur. Rub the oil into the sap stain thoroughly and pull out the loosened sap. Repeat this process several times and you will likely be able to remove all or most of the tree sap.

    • 3

      Pour mineral oil on your cat's paw overnight if there is still pitch stuck in its fur. Mineral oil will soften the remaining pitch but will only work if it's left on for several hours.

    • 4

      Trim any remaining mats of fur from your cat's paw. Pitch sometimes leaves a tangled mass of fur that will only become more tangled if it's not cut out. Be careful not to cut your cat's skin and avoid trimming more hair than is absolutely necessary.