My cat has a hard, extra claw-like growth on his paw. Is it serious?

Yes, I recommend you take him to a vet. There is something that cats on their feet called hyperkeratinization (keratin/cutaneous horns) but this does not look exactly like that; the lesions are usually thin and look like horns. So that fact that the left one is so flat and round is a bit concerning.

This looks like a cutaneous horn which is a keratin growth from the paw pad. I would consider having this removed and having the growth sent for histopathology as it could be benign or caused by cancerous process.

HI, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I have seen some cats develop long horny type growths on their paw pads. Possible causes are: papilloma or squamous cell carcinoma in situ (Bowen's disease), both caused by papillomavirus. Excision or treatment with imiquimod, retioid cream, or salicylic acid should be effective. If it doesn't bother Spooky, it most likely won't hurt to leave it alone (unless it becomes more malignant in behavior). It could also be benign hyperkertinized growths. They may need to be managed with sanding dows and or clipping regularly. You can also try Kerasol which is OTC or Snout Soother by American Dog co to help keep them soft. You can apply this 1-2 times daily. It may be best to have your Vet see the area first! Good luck

This could be a keratinized horn or keratinized cyst. They can be painful and rarely associated with a viral infection. Oscar should get this checked out by his veterinarian who may be able to remove it, check the area for infection and discuss the possiblity of it coming back with you.

These are skin hyperkeratosis (thickening of the stratum corneum of the epidermis/most superficial skin layer). A check up and possibly a sample of it can be taken to confirm diagnosis. They can be mildly painful and possibly grow even more than now. Surgical excision is usually resolutive but not strictly necessary. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

It appears like a wart, so I would not be too worried unless it's causing problems. The only way to know for sure is to take it off and send it to the lab for identification; but this likely not worth it. There are other methods for removing these if needed. Otherwise it's fine to leave it and watch for any issues. These can also go away on their own sometimes. I hope that helps and all goes well with Tuxedo.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. This could even be an abscess. There is no way of knowing what it is just based on its appearance. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. Usually this unfortunately cannot be treated at home since we do not know what it is. I recommend that you have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good day!