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Are dark red splotches on my cat's paw pads normal or a problem?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Longhair | Female | spayed | 3 years and 1 month old | 15 lbs

My cat Mitty has dark red splotches on bottom of her paws (on the pink area) well 3 of her paws to be exact both back paws and her front left paw. They almost look like blood underneath the pink area of paws under skin. Is this maybe just the color of her skin or could something be wrong with her? Maybe that's just where most of pressure is on her paws from walking? She is a bit overweight other than that she is a healthy cat & has all her shots.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 12th, 2017

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.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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