My cat has cracked paw pads and a scabby cut. Is it serious?

There is a disease call "plasma cell pododermatitis" that affects the footpads of cats, making them swell and sometimes crack. It's poorly understood, but believed to be an autoimmune disease. Treatment usually consists of a specific antibiotic (doxycycline) which somehow regulates the immune system (again, we don't understand why) and drugs to suppress the immune system (prednisolone or cyclosporine). Sometimes we have to bandage the feet temporarily to help with the pain and to aid healing. Soldier may also need pain medication for a time until he is more comfortable. Your vet should be able to diagnose this condition and start treatment. Good luck.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Haku. I recommend that he sees a veterinarian. His paw looks sore. Did he sustain any trauma? If it is not a wound, then he could have another issue such as an autoimmune skin disease or even an infection such as ringworm. The veterinarian will thoroughly examine him and may recommend skin testing to reach a diagnosis. In the meantime, do not let him licl or chew on the pad. Place an E-collar on him if necessary. I hope this information helps!

I am sorry to hear about your kitty! I would recommend an examination by a veterinarian for this issue. Some of his symptoms are consistent with a condition called "pillow foot" in cats, or Plasma Cell Pododermatitis. You can read more about this condition, its symptoms and treatment at https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952090 . The treatment is a prescription medication which require a prescription from your vet.

I am so sorry to hear about your kitty's dry foot pads! There are a few reasons as to why your kitten could have dry pads. It could be due to contact with an irritant (disinfectants, bleach), an immune mediated condition (will further discuss), skin parasite like ringworm or trauma. Sometimes kittens get dry, cracked/or ulcerated foot pads and it can be a congenital or an immune mediated condition such as lymphoplasmacytic pododermatitis or hyperkeratosis. I recommend seeing your veterinarian to get a better look at the foot pads to determine if a course of antibiotics and/or a biopsy of the foot pad is needed. Good luck!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I would leave it alone. What you are seeing is a thick scab. He likely cut it or injured the pad some how. But it should heal. Just be sure he isn't licking it or bothering it. Have a good day!

Phoenix's paw pads may benefit from a change in diet. Royal Canin diets are fortified with Omega 3 fatty acids which are good for the coat and skin. They make a diet for sensitive skin (you may need to look online for the product) and this one would be a good option. It will take about 4 weeks to see if they improve with a new diet. You could also try a product such as Baely's Paw Shield. This balm may help to heal the cracked skin. Lastly, avoid rough surfaces and dry the paws well when they get wet. If the skin starts looking red, bleeding, scabbing or if he seems bothered, have hime seen by his vet. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Poor Ebony! It sounds like his paws may be injured, and he is likely in pain, so I would have him seen by a vet who can check him and treat accordingly. A vet can prescribe pain medication that is appropriate for him, as pain medication for humans can be toxic to cats. They can also clean the area to help reduce the risk of infection and check him for other injuries he may have ended up with after escaping.