Infected Paw???

I was trimming Daphne's claws today when i noticed something on her front right paw. sure enough, it was red and looked almost scabby around the left edge of the middle paw pad. this has happened twice before in Daphne's six years, and each time the vet gave me medicine for it. i can't remember what it's called, it was so long ago. at first we thought Daphne's sister Trixie was clawing her repeatedly in the same spot. but we have long since given Trixie to a friend, and now it has occured again. i don't know what's causing it, but im working on getting her to the vet, but its been so crazy around here lately and nothing is getting done. i don't know how long she's had this problem, and i don't know what it is or even if it's infected. its a dark almost scabby-looking line outlining the left edge of her paw pad. its between the paw pad and the toe pad. she isn't acting like she's in any pain and isn't giving any sign that it's been bothering her. it looks like it hurts, but she's not paying the paw any extra attention. if anyone knows what it is or what might be causing it, please let me know.

Without pictures, it's more difficult to tell, but it could be a fungal infection. Some cats are prone to getting yeast infections between their toes, it could even be a strain of Tineas -- which is the same fungus that causes everything from ringworm to jock itch to athlete's foot.

Is the "wound" flaking at all? That's usually a sign of a fungal infection. Try clotrimizole anti-fungal ointment, and if it starts clearing up it's probably a fungal infection.