Explaining the Important Roles, Diseases, Injuries, and Care of Cat Paw Pads

Cats have many charms, and many owners are likely fond of their paw pads.

Soft, squishy, and a little fragrant… these adorable paw pads actually play a very important role.

From absorbing the shock of landing to serving as a barometer for health, this article will explain the roles, care methods, and potential injuries to watch out for regarding your cat’s charming "paw pads."

Basic Knowledge of Cat Paw Pads

First, we have compiled some basic knowledge about cat paw pads that you might think you know, but might actually be surprised by.

Paw pads have formal names

The formal Japanese name for a cat's paw pad is "shokyu" (metacarpal/metatarsal/digital pad).

A cat's front paws have 7 pads: the largest, bear-shaped pad is the "shokyu" (metacarpal pad), the 5 small pads on the fingertips are the "shikyu" (digital pads), and the lone pad higher up is the "shukonkyu" (carpal pad).

The hind paws have 5 pads. The largest pad is the "sokuteikyu" (metatarsal pad), and the 4 pads on the toes are the "shikyu" (digital pads).

In English, they are called "Paw Pads."

Why paw pads are squishy

Cat paw pads are smooth and sleek. They are squishy because they are composed mostly of "elastic fibers" and "fat." Of course,they also contain nerves and blood vessels, as well as sweat glands for perspiration and scent glands for marking territory.

The paw pads of newborn kittens are very soft and gradually become harder with age. Indoor-only cats often have softer pads than cats that live outdoors.

The relationship between paw pads and fur color

From pink and black to azuki bean red, cat paw pads come in various colors. You might imagine that cats with lighter fur have pinkish pads and cats with darker fur have blackish ones.

Paw pad color is determined by the melanin pigment in the skin, andthe color of the pads generally matches the color of the nose. Calico or tuxedo cats may even have spotted paw pads.

The Important Roles of Cat Paw Pads

Cat paw pads play essential roles in a cat's survival. They aren't just there to be cute.

Cushioning

When thinking of the roles of paw pads, their function as a "cushion" to absorb shock is the most well-known.

Cats have a habit of climbing to high places to watch over their territory. The reason they don't get hurt when jumping down from high places is that their paw pads absorb the shock.

Silencing footsteps

Approaching and capturing prey without a sound—walking with stealthy, silent steps is unique to feline hunters. Silencing footsteps is also an important role of the paw pads.

While this is important for hunting, it can be a bit worrying when you lose track of where your cat is... To prevent escapes or cats getting stuck in doors, we recommend attaching acat collar with abell.

High-performance sensors

Much like their whiskers, paw pads act as high-performance sensors.

Because they contain many nerves and blood vessels, paw pads are extremely sensitive. This allows cats to avoid obstacles and walk along thin, narrow paths even in the dark.

Non-slip grip

Like humans, cats regulate their body temperature by sweating. However,since cats only have sweat glands in their "nose" and "paw pads," they don't feel cool when standing in front of a fan.

Rather than temperature regulation, it seems that moist paw pads serve more effectively as a non-slip grip.

Serving as hands

When grooming their faces, cats lick their large "metacarpal pads" to moisten them, using them like a brush. Also, the fact that cats can skillfully grasp things is thanks to these pads acting as palms/hands.

Health Checks Using Cat Paw Pads

Beyond their various functions, a cat's paw pads are also useful for health checks.

When your cat is in a good mood, try gently touching their paw pads. If they have a squishy, elastic feel, they are healthy.

Sometimes, signs of illness can be detected from the temperature and texture of the paw pads. It is important to know how to perform a health check using "paw pads," which serve as a barometer for your cat's health.

Hot paw pads

If you feel that the paw pads are hotter than usual, there is a possibility of a fever. Check to see if there are other symptoms and consult a veterinarian.

Cold paw pads

Paw pads will get cold if the cat is in a place with a low temperature. While that alone isn't a problem, if their body and feet are also cold, it could be a sign of underlying illnesses like kidney failure or heart disease.

Also, if the paw pad color is paler than usual or different from the norm, it may indicate anemia.

If you notice concerning symptoms such as lack of energy, loss of appetite, or an increase in urine volume, consult a veterinarian immediately.

Dry or cracked paw pads

In dry winter months, paw pads can become dry or cracked. Since paw pads also become dry when a cat is dehydrated, keep a close watch on their water intake and urination.

Swollen paw pads

If the paw pads are swollen, it may indicate "plasma cell pododermatitis." This causes inflammation of unknown cause, which may lead to pus buildup or cause the cat to limp.

If there are wounds on or between the pads, if the cat is stressed, or if they are experiencing itching due to allergies, they may excessively lick the area, causing inflammation known as "interdigital dermatitis."

Be careful of paw pad injuries

Cat paw pads are prone to injury. Be very careful about cuts, scrapes, and burns.

Also, if you don't trim their claws, they can become ingrown and pierce the paw pad. This is especially true for senior cats who don't sharpen their claws as much.

In addition, long-haired cats often grow hair around and between their pads. This reduces the pad's grip and makes them prone to slipping, so it is a good idea to trim the hair around the pads to prevent injuries.

Summary

Cat paw pads have essential roles for survival. Beyond that, they also serve as a tool for owners to perform "health checks."

That said, cat paw pads are very sensitive... Many cats dislike having their sensitive paws touched, but try to get them used to it gradually so you can check them daily.

Once they are accustomed to paw checks, it will also make claw trimming easier.

Also,paw pad care is important. If they are dry, gently apply a paw cream. If you notice injuries or inflammation, please consult a veterinarian.

Paw pads are not just cute—learning about their roles, how to perform health checks, and how to care for them makes them even more endearing. Be sure to observe your cat's paw pads today!

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