For the most part, cats groom their own paws. However, there are a number of situations in which we should actively support our cats. This is especially true for outdoor cats, whose paws are subject to increased strain.
The task of the paw pads
Cats have four toe pads on their hind paws and a much larger sole pad. There is also a thumb pad on the front paws and a carpal pad further up. All pads are extremely thickened, hairless areas of skin. They contain sweat glands that keep the pads supple. To a small extent, they are also responsible for thermoregulation, but above all they release scents into the environment when they occur. These serve to pass on information to conspecifics.
Another important function of the pads is to act as shock absorbers. Intact paw pads cushion every step and thus provide relief for the joints. And even if you wouldn't think it, the pads are highly sensitive: they have special pressure receptors that indicate the slightest ground vibrations to the cat. These can be very helpful when hunting mice.
What dangers threaten cats' paws?
The paws are in direct contact with the environment. There are relatively few dangers for indoor cats. However, a cleaning agent can attack the paws, for example, if something breaks and the shards cause injuries or the floor of the balcony becomes extremely hot in the midday sun. In addition, dry heating air in winter can dry out the pads. In the case of outdoor pets, nails or sharp stones may also be lying around in addition to broken glass. In summer, asphalt he ats up extremely hot, and in winter there is an increased risk from salt and grit. These dry out the skin, making it brittle and susceptible to small cracks, which are then entry points for inflammation. For this reason, we should regularly take a look at the paws and especially the pads of your dog's feet.
Cleaning the paws
Unless an indoor cat has decided to inspect the inside of a flower pot, it is not normally necessary to clean their paws. The situation is different for outdoor cats. Especially on rainy days, you have to expect the worst. If you have a cat flap and are not there in time, you can see exactly which route the cat has taken through the apartment from the paw prints. It is helpful to place a dirt mat behind the entrance to the flap. However, this only picks up the coarsest dirt, which is why each paw should be wiped individually with a damp cloth if possible. If they are particularly wet, it is advisable to dry them off to avoid creating a damp environment in which pathogens could spread.
Caring for stressed paws
Heat, cold and, above all, road salt can cause paws to dry out - just like our hands. This makes them less supple and much more susceptible to injury. For outdoor pets in particular, who often come into contact with road salt in winter, it is not only important to wipe their paws briefly, but also to apply a paw balm . There are a number of products on the market. Avoid milking grease or Vaseline, which are made from mineral oil, and instead opt for a high-quality cream. Apply this to the bales as soon as they are dry. The easiest time to do this is when the cat is taking a nap or is at least not in a particularly active phase. It may then refuse to do so or immediately spread or lick the cream all over the house. During a resting phase, on the other hand, most cats will put up with the short procedure without any problems.
Do the cat's claws need to be trimmed?
Cats usually trim and sharpen their claws themselves. Outside, they often use the trunks of trees to do this, but indoors a scratching post or scratching board should be available. Otherwise, the cat might get the idea to look around for suitable furniture. Weakened, sick and especially older cats may no longer be able to fully groom their fur, paws and claws themselves. They then need support. With regard to claws, this may mean having to trim them with special claw clippers. If you don't have the confidence to do this or have an animal at home that won't put up with it, it's better to go to the vet. In principle, however, you can also do it yourself. However, you must be careful not to cut off too much, as there are blood vessels and nerves inside each claw. Press in the middle of the paw so that the cat extends the claws. Hold the paw firmly and make the cut at least 2 millimeters above the translucent blood vessels. Don't worry if you don't get all the claws out before the cat leaves. Make a note of which claws you have already trimmed and continue the work at a later date.