Peeling Paw Pads

I have just noticed in the last week or so that 2 Dope's paw pads seem to be peeling. They look pretty normal otherwise. No discoloration or anything that resembles an infection. He is an indoor cat.

He is fairly new to the house, maybe 1 1/2 months. I have two other cats who have never had this happen to them. When I pull on the "skin" that is peeling, he does not seem to mind. He does not show any signs of pain, and there are no open wounds or sores. It is happening on all of the large pads, and each individual "toe" pad. It reminds me of when a snake or lizard "sheds". The skin that is peeling off is dry, but not cracked.

Anyone have anything similar to this happen? I'll probably call the vet in the morning. Just wondering if anyone here has had any experience with this.

Thanks.

You might want to read this thread:

http://www.thecatsite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=60258

How old is your kitty? My old boy has chapped looking pads, but they don't bother him in the least. The vet said I could put bag balm on them if I wanted.

Sophie had a paw pad that did this right after we brought her home. I put some bag balm on it and it healed up quickly. No problems on any other pad since, either.

Originally Posted by sunnicat

Sophie had a paw pad that did this right after we brought her home. I put some bag balm on it and it healed up quickly. No problems on any other pad since, either.

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what is bag balm, and where do you find it?
Teddy has peely pads, but they don't bother him at all, and the vet said they're fine. I don't know if Teddy would let us put anything on his feet (he was declawed on the front by the previous owner and he's of course sensitive when people come near his feet), but I've never heard of this and am curious!

Originally Posted by shambelle

what is bag balm, and where do you find it?
Teddy has peely pads, but they don't bother him at all, and the vet said they're fine. I don't know if Teddy would let us put anything on his feet (he was declawed on the front by the previous owner and he's of course sensitive when people come near his feet), but I've never heard of this and am curious!

Click to expand...

I found it at Wal-Mart, but I've also seen it at pharmacies. It's just a salve, very thick and greasy. I think that the original use was for chapped teats on milk cows, as you will also see it marketed as Udder Balm. We had it in the house because my husband uses it on his dry feet.

Thanks everyone for your repiles. This forum is so great.

I spoke with my vet, and he said to monitor it over the next few weeks, and if it worsens to bring him in. Like I said, he is showing zero signs of pain, so i guess i'll wait and see.

I'll keep everyone updated.

My oldest Cats front paws are doing the same things, but my other cats are not having any reaction at all like this.  We had our regular vet visit- I had though it was hit back legs and he had arthritis as he had been walking slower down the stairs like he was in pain.  She said today no it was his front paws and the pads on them and could be the litter we use and he is having a reaction to it, which is weird since we have used it since we have had him -and he is 8 years old now.  She cleaned out his paws, gave him and injection and put a bandage on his paws-will remove it on Monday.  We were told to but Corn or Wheat Cat liter.  Thank you.

My cat Oreo currently has this problem. She's been licking her paws more often now, and whenever I get close to them she'll bite me. As far as I can tell, it's affecting two feet and the skin is peeling off by itself.

Hey, that is exactly what is happening to my orange tabby, Oscar. I have had him for little over a year now. Hes always had more coarse, dry hair and skin. I looked on another site and lots of owners with cats whose pads are peeling yet are not making any signs of being inflamed or infected, and their suggestion is a bag balm and to up the omega 3. I have heard vets recommend the Omega 3 to help with coarse, dry hair and skin, so it makes sense. I am going to try with my Oscar and see if it works of not.