Cat paws need particular care. These are practical tips to help you keep them their best.
When cats aren’t sleeping, they may be on the prowl, going about the house or the neighborhood with determined steps. A cat’s paws are one part of them that take a lot of wear over the years and need special attention just as ours do. These practical tips for cat paw care can help you keep your cat healthy, happy, and free to roam.
Clean Daily
A simple task that cat owners can do daily is clean their cat’s paws with a damp cloth. This cleaning ritual will help keep your cat from ingesting chemicals or dirt it stepped in, and also keep your furniture clean. You can also check for stuck sand, cat litter, or dirt. If you know your cat stepped in a toxic substance, clean your cat’s paws immediately.
Check for Cuts, Etc.
Also, keep an eye out for any cuts in your cat’s paws. The best solution is to wash the affected paw with mild soap. One can pull out any splinters with a tweezer. A cut or scrape will usually heal on its own. However, if you notice blood, inflammation, puss, or limping, see your veterinarian for advice and treatment.
Trim the Nails
Keep your cat’s nails trimmed by clipping its nails with a sharp trimmer every few weeks. It is best to start cats on its schedule when they are young, but one can also succeed with older cats. One can also bring the cat to the groomer or the vet for a nail trim.
Provide Scratching Posts
That being said, one can provide at least one scratching post to help your cat maintain its claws. Cat paw care is partially self-sufficient, in that cats love to scratch to keep their nails sharp, mark territory, etc. Buying or making a scratching post is a way to let them fulfill their scratching needs and protect your flooring and furniture.
Avoid Harmful Surfaces
One should never let their cat walk on surfaces that are extremely hot or cold or toxic. If you wouldn’t walk on it barefoot, do not let your cat go there either. For example, don’t let your cat go near an area with shattered glass.
Watch for Pillow Foot
Although it is uncommon, one should also look out for “pillow foot” in cats. Plasma cell pododermititis, an autoimmune disease, appears as mushy or ballooned foot pads, possibly purple in color. Seek your vet for a diagnosis.
Trust the Care of Your Pet to the Professionals at Everhart Veterinary Medicine!
At Everhart Veterinary Medicine, our veterinary professionals strive to provide your pet with the very best of veterinary care. We believe that the best care for your pet should be provided by experienced, compassionate, and knowledgeable veterinary professionals. With two Maryland locations in both Baltimore and Pasadena, we are always ready to welcome your pet as a new patient! Give us a call today at 410-355-3131 or 410-793-7670! For more information, as well as updates on veterinary news and topics, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn!