Cat biting her front paws – a bit of an unusual case

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Pétouilledu50 Icon representing the flag French
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Hi there,

I’m posting here because I’m really worried about my dearest and most faithful friend’s health.

So, here’s the thing: I have a feline friend named Pétouille, aka Touillepé. She weighs just over 20lbs (about 1 stone 6), so because of her size, she can’t reach everywhere to groom herself. I wash her regularly with just water (which she luckily enjoys), and sometimes I use a proper cat shampoo, of course. Up until now, I haven’t mentioned the problem that’s bothering me, and her even more. Let me get to the point!

When I stroke or brush her (especially when brushing) in areas she can’t reach herself, Pétouille nibbles on her front paws. I suppose it’s probably because she’s in ecstasy from being scratched in spots she can’t reach even if she were a contortionist. But today, I noticed a patch on her front right paw, about 20mm by 10mm, where the fur has been chewed off by her front teeth. I find it very worrying, and with the whole Covid crisis and being completely skint (actually, well into the red...), I strictly can’t afford to see a vet for her. I’m usually the type to go as soon as there's a problem, and I always tell my friends to see a vet when needed. But right now, things are really, REALLY tough. I hope you might have a little tip for my sweet, gentle friend. Or even a few tips?! Thank you so much for taking the time to read this (rather long) cry for help.

Kind regards,

PétouilleetVal.

Cat biting her front paws – a bit of an unusual case

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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    I can’t make head or tail of it, but is she scratching that spot or not? Is the patch round, bald, and a bit bumpy? Have you noticed any other similar marks elsewhere?
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    Pétouilledu50 Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi Ulalie,

    Thanks for your reply, but my phone camera doesn't take very good quality photos. I don't think you’d be able to see the area any more clearly, and it might even be misleading.

    The fur is short because Pétouille has been nibbling it—the hair is no more than 1mm long. I should mention that she’s a spayed indoor cat, so she isn't in contact with any other cats. Any tips? Would something like a sock or a bandage be necessary?

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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Could you take a really close-up photo, just of the bald patch please?

     

    The fact that your cat nibbles its paws is actually quite common; mine do it as well, but this hair loss might have nothing to do with it. I have an idea what it might be, but I’d like to have a closer look first.

    Translated from French
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