Injury on cat's paw pads

Vanessa_06
Vanessa_06 Icon representing the flag French
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Hi, my cat has had this 'injury' for about a week now. I've no idea what could have caused it and I don't know how to help it heal. She keeps licking her paw even though I'm trying to keep an eye on her. She isn't in pain when walking. She had something similar on the other paw, but it was inside the pad, whereas this time it's here. Any advice? (She's an indoor cat, unless I decide to take her out on a lead. My other cat is fine.)Injury on cat's paw pads

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4 answers
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    • ProvetoJuniorConseil
    Provetojuniorconseil Icon representing the flag French
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    Hello, As a vet student, a paw pad lesion that has lasted for a week and that your cat is licking regularly definitely needs to be taken seriously. Licking keeps the area irritated and prevents it from healing. Even if she isn't limping, it could be a small wound, a burn, irritation, or the start of an infection. The fact that she has already had something similar on another paw could also suggest a sensitivity or a skin condition. You can continue to clean it gently, but the most important thing is to stop her from licking it—use a buster collar if possible. If it doesn't improve quickly or if the wound persists, I’d recommend a trip to the vet to get the right treatment. Best regards, Romane
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    E
    Emma-martin Icon representing the flag French
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    It sounds like your cat might have a bit of skin irritation, a minor wound, or even an allergic reaction, especially as it’s on her paw pads and she won't stop licking it. Since she’s a house cat and is still walking normally, that’s quite reassuring, but the constant licking can slow down the healing process or make things worse.

    It’s good that you’re keeping a close eye on it. Keeping the area clean and stopping her from licking it too much is key, and a trip to the vet is a good idea if it doesn’t get any better or starts to spread.

    If you’re sharing updates or videos with other owners or a vet group, you could use tools like a video background remover to tidy up the footage and make her paw easier to see.

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    C
    Chatzen Icon representing the flag French
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    Honestly, it looks like a small sore between the paw pads, often caused by irritation or a tiny cut. The fact she’s licking it so much doesn’t help the healing process at all.

    If you can, check if it’s red, swollen, or a bit weepy—in that case, it can get infected quite quickly.

    While waiting to see the vet (which is still the best option if it's been going on for a week), you can already:

    • clean it gently with a gauze pad + saline solution

    • stop her from licking it (use a cone if necessary, even temporarily)

    • check that there isn't a small foreign body stuck (a thorn, bit of grit, etc.)

    The fact she’s already had this on another paw might also point to a sensitivity or recurring irritation (litter, flooring, dampness...).

    Keep a close eye on it: if it doesn’t improve quickly or if it opens up further → vet without hesitation.

    Hang in there, this kind of minor issue is common but it can drag on if you don't protect the area 👍

    Chatzen 🐾

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    J
    Jocely Icon representing the flag French
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    That wound doesn't look good and needs to be seen by a vet, especially if the cat is an indoor cat. It’s at risk of getting infected and might need a topical antibiotic. Kind regards.
    Translated from French

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