Cat Paw Corns – Dealing With Callus Growth on Cat Paw Pads

If you’ve ever noticed an additional claw growing out of your cat’s footbed, she could be suffering from “corn paws.” These callous-like growths, thankfully, aren’t particularly concerning. Corn paws are, in fact, one of the most frequent feline paw conditions.

Cat Paw Corns – A Complete Guide

Cats with paw corns are a rather common skin issue. Horns/Corns are most commonly found on a cat’s paw pads, although they can also appear on the face or other regions of the body. The growths can develop alone or in clusters across many paw pads.

Corn paws are caused by an excess of keratin, which is the same protein that makes up our hair and nails. While they are unattractive, the horns are usually harmless and there is no need to be concerned. The most annoying side effect is generally some harmless clacking.

However, you should keep a watch on the growths so you can notify your veterinarian if anything changes or worries you. Simple paw corns may not be cause for concern, but unchecked keratin buildup has been associated with underlying concerns like viral infections, more complex skin ailments, and even cancer.

Dealing With Callus Growth on Cat Paw Pads

Cat owners may be more concerned about their cats than dog owners since it is more difficult to discern when something is wrong with them. Because many cats are aloof and only experience minor personality changes, you may question if something is wrong and how to deal with it. Taking a glance at your feline’s delicate toe beans and noticing what you assume is a callus, on the other hand, makes it much easier to realize something is amiss.

Calluses on a cat’s paws can be caused by a variety of factors. This is usually caused by persistent friction or rubbing. Because they take a long time to form, you’re unlikely to see them right away. Because these calluses lack blood vessels, trimming them is permissible. Preventive maintenance could also be beneficial. Trim your cat’s nails on a regular basis.

If you’re having trouble cutting them, a pet grooming shop will do it for you for a nominal price. One advantage is that you won’t feel like needles on your legs when your cat kneads on your lap. If your cat has long hair, trimming the fur around its paws is a good idea since matting can occur and contribute to calluses.

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Cat Paw Pad Callus Treatment 

If your cat’s horn formations are causing them problems, they will need to be removed. Here are the primary choices you and your cat will have to make:

Clipping / Trimming

Because they use their pads a lot on uneven surfaces, outdoor cats are more prone to growths owing to hardened skin, calluses, and other conditions.

They will frequently trim them down using the same friction. Due to their lack of activity, indoor cats are more likely to have lengthier growths.

There are no blood veins, nerves, or anything else that can produce pain in hardened skin anomalies. Once your vet has given you the all-clear, you may simply clip them anytime they become too long.

Surgical Procedures

If the problem is beyond clipping or there are additional difficulties, you’ll have to take it to a veterinarian.

Guide to Cat Paw Care

While regularly evaluating your cat’s paws is important to ensure that they remain healthy, you can also search for symptoms that anything is wrong with them. If she’s limping or not putting pressure on one of her paws, it’s possible she’s got something lodged in it or has injured it in some way.

Keep in mind that cats are skilled at masking their discomfort, so you may need to be extra vigilant. Furthermore, if a cat is injured, she may be less receptive to you evaluating her, so make every effort to keep her comfortable and calm as you investigate her.

You may need to acclimate your cat to having her paws touched if she isn’t used to it. Cuteness suggests stroking your kitty’s paws whenever you hug or pet her. This will not only help her get used to having her paws touched and handled, but it will also allow you to see whether there is any dirt lodged between her toes and paw pads.

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Inspect Their Paws

Once your cat is comfortable with you handling her paws, check them on a daily basis, especially after she returns from an outside adventure. According to the Animal Care Clinic in Lexington, Kentucky, look for scratches, sores, and foreign objects. If you notice something embedded in the kitty’s paw, carefully remove it with tweezers if possible, or call your veterinarian if it’s too firmly embedded.

Cleaning Paws

Wipe all those small cat paw pads, as well as around the pads and between the toes, with a soft cloth either before or after your inspection. This will remove dirt, litter dust, and any chemicals or foreign things from her toes.

Trim Nails

Trim your cat’s claws with a pair of cat-specific nail scissors. Trim only the tips, being careful not to cut into the quick (the part of the nail containing sensitive nerves and veins).

If you cut the quick by accident, keep some styptic powder on hand to halt the bleeding. If you don’t even have any styptic powder on hand (it’s generally available at your local pet store), flour or corn starch will suffice.

How Often Do Cats Get Calluses on Their Pads?

Calluses are common in cats, and they might arise frequently if you don’t take care of them. Of course, keeping your cat indoors is one of the best things you can do for her paws because she’ll be less likely to get hurt or come into contact with very hot or cold surfaces or toxic substances.

Cuteness informs out that dry winter air might dry out your cat’s paws, so use a humidifier in the winter. A scratching post can also assist keep her nails in good shape, as well as protect your carpet and furniture from her clawing.

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Final Thoughts

With all of the responsibilities that come with caring for cats, it’s easy to overlook basic cat paw care. It will be simple to keep her paws in good shape if she makes it a habit to check and clean them on a daily basis.