My cat's paw pad is black and cracked. Is it sore or serious problem?

Ideally a cat's paw pads should be smooth. If they are cracked, it could be because they were exposed to harsher conditions (which I would expect if Toothless was outside for 4 weeks). Paw pads should return to being smooth with better conditions and a good diet. If the cracked areas are bleeding, Toothless is licking them, they are swollen or he is limping on them, then I would recommend having your veterinarian examine him. Otherwise, hopefully they will heal on their own. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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.

Hi, in the first picture it looks like there could be a bit of infection as the fluid seems cloudy. Looking at the second one the skin lesion looks more like podo dermatitis, an inflammation of Jeff's pad. I think it is worthy to have hm checked over, in order to get some medications and help him towards a speedy recovery. If you don't take him to see your vet, his foot will continue to get worse and every time he puts his foot down to walk he will be in a lot of pain. I think your vet will not need to run tests but just give him some medications and therefore cost should be limited. All the best and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach !

It could be a bacterial or fungal infection around the nail, nail bed or paw pad. A close physical exam would be needed for a definitive diagnosis. See your veterinarian in the morning. If Cosmo is licking or chewing, place an e-collar (cone) on him until he sees the doctor.

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.

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.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Remy. Yes, I do recommend that he sees a veterinarian as there may be an infection present. The paw will be cleaned with a disinfecting solution to evaluate the pad under the scab. If a wound is present, antibiotics may be necessary. I hope this information helps!