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

Cats have many charms, and we're sure many cat owners love their paw pads.

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

They absorb impact from landing and serve as a barometer for their health. This time, we will explain the role of a cat's charming "paw pads," how to care for them, and injuries to watch out for.

Basic knowledge about cat paw pads

First, here is a summary of basic knowledge about cat paw pads that you might not know, even if you think you do.

Paw pads have a formal name

The formal name for a cat's paw pad is "shokyu" (plantar pad).

A cat's front paws have seven plantar pads. The largest, bear-shaped pad is called the "shokyu" (palmar pad), the five small pads on the fingertips are called the "shikyu" (digital pads), and the pad located a little higher up is called the "shukonkyu" (carpal pad).

The hind paws have five pads. The largest pad is called the "sokuteikyu" (plantar pad), and the four pads on the fingertips are called the "shikyu" (digital pads).

In English, they are called "Paw Pads."

Why paw pads are squishy

A cat's paw pads are smooth and soft. They are squishy because they are mostly made of "elastic fibers" and "fat." Of course, they also contain nerves and blood vessels, as well as sweat glands for sweating and scent glands for marking.

Newborn kittens have very soft paw pads, which gradually harden with age. Cats living outdoors often have harder paw pads than indoor cats.

The relationship between paw pad color and fur color

Pink, black, reddish-brown. Cat paw pads come in various colors. You can probably imagine that cats with lighter fur have pinkish paw pads, and those with darker fur have blackish paw pads.

The color of paw pads is due to melanin pigment in the skin, and it is said that the color of paw pads and nose are usually the same. Calico and bicolor cats may also have patchy paw pads.

The important role of cat paw pads

Cat paw pads have important roles essential for a cat's survival. They are not just cute.

Cushion

One well-known role of cat paw pads is to act as a "cushion" that absorbs impact.

Cats have a habit of climbing to high places to survey their territory. The reason they can jump down from high places without getting injured is because their paw pads absorb the impact.

Silencing footsteps

Approaching prey silently and catching it. Walking silently and stealthily is unique to hunter cats. Silencing footsteps is also an important role of paw pads.

While crucial for hunting to survive, it can be a bit worrying when you can't tell where your cat is... To prevent escapes and getting caught in doors, we recommend putting a bell on their cat collar.

High-performance sensor

Similar to a cat's whiskers, their paw pads also act as a high-performance sensor.

Because a cat's paw pads have many nerves and blood vessels, they are extremely sensitive. They can avoid obstacles and walk skillfully even in the dark or in narrow spaces.

Non-slip

Like humans, cats also regulate their body temperature by sweating. However, a cat's sweat glands are only found on their nose and paw pads, so they don't feel cool from a fan.

More than regulating body temperature, moist paw pads seem to function as a non-slip grip.

Substitute for hands

When grooming their face, they lick and moisten the large "palmar pads" and use them like a brush. Also, the palmar pads act as their hands, allowing cats to skillfully grasp things.

Health check with cat paw pads

Cat paw pads have various functions and are also useful for checking a cat's health.

When your cat is in a good mood, gently touch their paw pads. If they are squishy and elastic, they are healthy paw pads.

You can sometimes detect signs of illness from the temperature and feel of their paw pads. It's important to know how to perform a health check using their "paw pads," which are a barometer of your cat's health.

Hot paw pads

If your cat's paw pads feel hotter than usual, there's a possibility of a fever. Check for other symptoms and consult a veterinarian.

Cold paw pads

Paw pads will also feel cold if the cat is in a cold environment. While this alone is not usually a problem, if the body and legs are also cold, it could indicate underlying conditions such as kidney failure or heart disease.

Additionally, if the paw pads are paler than usual, or if their color is different, the cat might be experiencing anemia.

If you notice any concerning symptoms such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or increased urination, consult a veterinarian immediately.

Dry paw pads

In the dry winter, paw pads can become dry and cracked. Also, paw pads become dry when a cat is experiencing dehydration, so be sure to carefully observe their water intake and urination.

Swollen paw pads

If the paw pads are swollen, "paw pad dermatitis (plasmacytic pododermatitis)" may be suspected. This causes inflammation of unknown origin, which can lead to pus accumulation and limping.

If there is a cut or scratch on or between the paw pads, or if the cat is stressed or has itchy allergic symptoms, they may lick the area excessively, leading to inflammation called "interdigital dermatitis."

Beware of paw pad injuries

A cat's paw pads are also prone to injury. Be very careful about cuts, scrapes, and burns.

Also, if claws are not trimmed, they can become ingrown and pierce the paw pad. This is especially important to watch out for in senior cats who don't scratch as much.

Furthermore, in long-haired cats, the fur around and between the paw pads can grow long. This can reduce the grip of the paw pads and make them more prone to slipping, so it's best to trim the fur around the paw pads to prevent injuries.

Summary

Cat paw pads have essential roles for their survival. Not only that, but for owners, they also play the role of a "health check."

However, a cat's paw pads are very sensitive... Many cats dislike having their sensitive paw pads touched, but try to get them used to it little by little and check them daily.

If they get used to paw pad checks, it will also help when trimming their claws.

Also, paw pad care is important. If they are dry, gently apply paw pad cream. If there are any injuries or inflammation, be sure to consult a veterinarian.

Paw pads are not just cute; knowing their roles, how to check their health, and how to care for them makes them even more endearing. Be sure to observe your beloved cat's paw pads!

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