Why Do My Cat's Paws Get Chapped?

Cracked paws, also known as "feline pododermatitis", are a common problem in cats. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Environmental Causes

• Dry air can cause the skin on your cat's paws to become dry and cracked. This is especially common in the winter months when the humidity levels in the air are low.
• Cold weather can also cause your cat's paws to become cracked. The cold air can cause the blood vessels in the paws to constrict, which reduces blood flow and can lead to dry, cracked skin.
• Rough surfaces such as concrete or asphalt can also cause your cat's paws to become cracked. Walking on these surfaces can wear down the skin on the paws, making them more susceptible to cracking.

Medical Causes

• Allergies can cause your cat's paws to become itchy and inflamed. This can lead to your cat licking or chewing at their paws, which can further irritate the skin and cause it to crack.
• Infections can also cause your cat's paws to become cracked. Bacterial or fungal infections can cause the skin on the paws to become inflamed and infected, which can lead to cracking.
• Nutritional deficiencies can also cause your cat's paws to become cracked. A diet that is deficient in essential nutrients, such as vitamin A or zinc, can lead to dry, cracked skin.

Other Causes

• Stress can also cause your cat's paws to become cracked. When a cat is stressed, they may lick or chew at their paws as a way to self-soothe. This can lead to irritation and cracking of the skin.
• Boredom can also lead to your cat licking or chewing at their paws. If your cat is bored, they may find that licking or chewing their paws is a way to entertain themselves. This can also lead to irritation and cracking of the skin.

Symptoms of Cracked Paws

The symptoms of cracked paws can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Dry, cracked skin on the paws
• Redness and inflammation of the paws
• Itching or burning sensation on the paws
• Licking or chewing at the paws
• Limping or difficulty walking

Treatment for Cracked Paws

The treatment for cracked paws will depend on the underlying cause. If the cause is environmental, such as dry air or cold weather, you can try to improve the environment by using a humidifier or providing your cat with a warm place to sleep. If the cause is medical, such as an allergy or infection, you will need to consult with your veterinarian for treatment.

In addition to treating the underlying cause, there are a number of things you can do to help your cat's cracked paws heal. These include:

• Applying a moisturizer to the paws several times a day. This will help to keep the skin on the paws hydrated and prevent further cracking.
• Soaking the paws in a warm Epsom salt bath. This will help to reduce inflammation and soothe the paws.
• Bandaging the paws to protect them from further damage. This is especially important if your cat is licking or chewing at their paws.

Prevention of Cracked Paws

There are a number of things you can do to help prevent your cat's paws from becoming cracked. These include:

• Keeping your cat's environment humid. This will help to prevent the skin on their paws from becoming dry and cracked.
• Providing your cat with a warm place to sleep. This will help to prevent their paws from becoming cold and cracked.
• Avoiding walking your cat on rough surfaces. If you must walk your cat on rough surfaces, be sure to use a pair of cat boots to protect their paws.
• Feeding your cat a healthy diet. A diet that is rich in essential nutrients, such as vitamin A and zinc, will help to keep your cat's skin healthy and prevent cracking.
• Reducing your cat's stress. This will help to prevent them from licking or chewing at their paws.
• Providing your cat with plenty of toys and activities. This will help to keep them entertained and prevent them from getting bored.

Conclusion

Cracked paws are a common problem in cats. However, by understanding the causes and symptoms of cracked paws, you can help to prevent them from developing in your cat. If your cat's paws do become cracked, there are a number of things you can do to help them heal.