My cat's paws are cold. Is this normal, or should I be concerned?

Cats paws can feel warm to us because a cat's normal body temperature is higher than ours, between 99.5 - 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have any worries that your cat is running a [fever](https://www.petcoach.co/article/5-common-causes-of-fever-in-pets), you can always get a [rectal temperature](https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-take-your-pet-s-temperature-in-7-easy-steps/) (if he will let you!). But if he is acting normal and there is no [vomiting](https://www.petcoach.co/cat/condition/vomiting/), decreased appetite or diarrhea, he is probably fine.

Paw pads are typically cold either when they have been in contact with a cold surface or when the blood is not perfusing the paw pads properly. Poor perfusion can occur with underlying heart disease, conditions causing low blood pressure, blood clot formation, or other underlying conditions. It is not normal for Beesly's paw pads to consistently be cold if she is inside. It would be best to have her evaluated by her vet. If heart disease is suspected, Beesly would benefit from a consultation with a veterinary cardiologist. I hope that all goes well!

Based on your photos, this looks like pigmented areas of the paw pad, which can be normal in some cats. If the areas are not raised or painful then this is likely the case. If, however, the colored areas are a different texture/raised or seem painful/sensitive then a veterinary exam is recommended.

This could be due to a hyperkeratosis of the pads. Hyperkeratosis is a thickening of the skin which can occur in cats and dogs when too much keratin, or the fibrous proteins that comprise the outer layer of skin, is produced. This leads to excessive skin, which becomes hard, thickened, dried out, and callous-like. Usually is completely benign and no further action is needed.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Loss of appetite and lethargy can be observed with many conditions such as gastroenteritis, dietary indiscretion, kidney disease, pancreatitis, among many other possibilities. Cold feet could be an indication of dehydration, low blood pressure, hypothermia, among many other possibilities. I recommend that you have Chaz evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible for further assessment and treatment as this can be something concerning. They would be able to check for these possibilities and others depending on the findings on exam. Treatment would be based on findings. Good luck and have a good night! Hoping for a speedy recovery!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If Willa is acting normal then the temperature of her ears probably doesn’t mean anything. The blood vessels in ears are small and can dilate or construct depending on the ambient (room temperature). Just like how our hands and feet can get cold but we feel fine. I hope this helps! Have a good day!

It could be a normal color change, a bacterial or fungal skin infection, or from saliva staining from licking the area too much (allergies). Have your vet take a look at it to determine if there is anything abnormal that needs to be treated. If she doesn't seemed bothered by it and you don't see any swelling, redness, or discharge than it may just be normal.