Torn Pad

My cat has a torn pad on his back paw.  It does not bleed or hurt him, but it reveals the flesh.  I put vaseline (petrolium jelly) on to protect the pad, but my cat licks it off as fast as i put it on.  Do you have any suggestions?

Welcome to TCS . Glad you found us . If there is no bleeding and does not look infected there is not much to do about it. I would leave it be. IF it is bleeding and is looking red,swollen etc. It will need to be wrapped in gauze and vet wrap. At that point, though, I would bring the cat in to your vet first. Might need antibiotic's and the vet can show you how to wrap up the foot properly. If the cat will tear at the bandage - then he might need to wear a Elizabethan collar. No matter what you put on the wound, the cat will just lick it right off. Best to leave it be and keep checking on that pad.

Thank you for your advice.  It was very helpful and i will bring my cat to the vet as soon as possible.  I was not sure if the injury was something that could heal on its own, like a scratch, or needed medical attention.

It is possible that it will heal on it's own, just keep a close eye on the wound. Also, if your cat is not limping and not in any pain, that would be a good sign too. Keep us updated

We just took him to the vet.  He has to wear an Elizabethan collar and has a bandage on his foot.  He is very miserable. He is now on antibiotics and it turned out that he split his pad.  He will be fine but he has to keep the collar on for 10 days. 

Poor Kitty

hno: yes.... poor kitty..... I know, these next ten day's will feel like forever. BUT you will be suprised at how quickly the cat's do get used to the collar. It is so hard on US to have to see them stumbling about and figuring out how to move with the collar on. I really hope these next ten day's just fly by :cross: You kitty will heal up quickly, I am sure and soon thing's will be back to normal. My cat had to wear a collar too after a surgery. I was lucky in that when I was home and could keep an eye on my cat, I took the collar off for short period's. You will just have to see if your cat will leave the bandage alone if you take the collar off for a little bit. Some people spray bitter apple on the bandage to keep the cat from tearing off bandages. Seems once they get used to wearing the bandage, they leave it alone. Hang in there and keep us posted