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My cat's paw pads are cracked and bleeding. Why does he hurt to walk?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 5 years and 10 months old

What's wrong with my cats pads? All 4 paws are/were cracked and bleeding. Trying to heal but he hurts to walk

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Christie Long, DVM

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on November 30th, 2016

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.

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Hem might have been walking on a very hot surface or he had a car accident, I would strongly recommend taking him to the vet in order to get that checked, if he had a car accident the vet needs to make sure he doesn't have any internal damage.
0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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