What to Do for Dry Pads on a Cat's Feet

Like human dry skin, which can peel, crack and be very painful, dry pads on cats cause the same discomfort. However, where a person can often find relief by applying a good moisturizer, topical treatment is tricky with cats because they will lick off anything you apply anywhere they can reach, so it has to be non-toxic.

  1. Causes

    • Cats' pads become dry and cracked for reasons similar to humans'. Indoor-only cats may react to the air being drier during cold weather. Cats who go outdoors walk on cold surfaces and salt in the winter, and a hot, dry pavement in the summer. Also, a diet that's deficient in Omega 3 fatty acids or vitamin E will cause a cat to have a dull coat and dry, flaky skin all over. Food allergies that cause incessant itching can make a cat bite and lick its toes in frustration, and the pads become dry and raw.

    Over-the-Counter Treatments

    • Keeping in mind a cat's compulsion to clean itself, anything you apply to the pads should be massaged in until it's fully absorbed, and it should be either non-toxic or ingestible in limited quantities. Olive oil is one pantry staple that won't harm a cat. You can use petroleum jelly or lanolin, but it's vital to rub them in thoroughly. Baby lotion or Bag Balm, which is used to soothe cow udders, are other options. Be aware that any oily substance your cat ingests will tend to have a laxative effect.

      Some products specifically formulated to treat dry pads in cats and dogs include soothing Tomlyn Protecta Pad Cream and Musher's Secret, a non-toxic preventive made of edible waxes that was developed for Canadian sled dogs. It's absorbed into the pad, yet provides a protective shield if the cat goes outdoors and its pads are exposed to extreme cold or salt. It also has a mildly laxative effect if the cat licks it off.

      Steer clear of moisturizers intended for humans because they contain many ingredients to enhance their appearance and smell but that may be harmful to cats if eaten.

      If the dryness is caused by a dietary deficiency, adding fish oil or vitamin E to the cat's food several times a week can help to improve the cat's overall skin and pad condition. Before trying this solution, talk to your veterinarian about the proper dosage required, based on your cat's age and size.

    Prescription Treatments

    • If over-the counter-remedies aren't effective, your vet may prescribe Humilac spray, an oil-free preparation that contains moisture-attracting humectants to relieve a cat's dry pads. Kerasolv Gel is another prescription humectant-type treatment that you can rub into the cat's pads to boost moisture.