Healthy cats take care of their paws themselves. However, old and sick cats or outdoor cats may no longer be able to do this on their own and need our support. The level of control and extent of paw care therefore depends entirely on the individual cat.
Paw care for outdoor cats
It is important to take care of your cat's paws to protect it from injuries and foreign objects. Especially if your cat spends a lot of time outside, there is a risk that it will walk on many surfaces and may incur sharp thorns or minor injuries. Therefore, check your pet's paws regularly.
To protect your cat's paws from foreign objects, here are some helpful tips for paw care :
Caring for your cat's paws begins with regular paw checks . It is important that you look very closely. Sometimes splinters or small plant residues are difficult to see and remove, so take a pair of tweezers with you.
Most cats are afraid of water - but when it comes to paw care , your cat will need a damp washcloth. Use warm water so that cleaning the paws with the washcloth is not unpleasant.
Properly trimming the claws
In nature, cats can sharpen and trim their claws on tree trunks. Indoor cats, on the other hand, do not have this option , which is why they use scratching posts. However, it can be a good idea to check the claws of weakened cats to make sure that the cat is still taking care of its own claws. If your cat needs help, a special claw clipper can help.
When trimming the claws, special care must be taken as there are blood vessels and nerves inside the claws. The claws can only be trimmed when your cat has extended its claws. To do this, press lightly on the middle of the paw. To trim your cat's claws, make the cut at least 2 millimeters above the blood vessels.
If you are unsure and do not feel confident about trimming the claws yourself, it is best to contact your veterinarian.
Treating Dry Cat Paws
There can be several reasons why your cat is struggling with dry skin on the pads of its paws . Whether it's hot surfaces in the summer or unpleasant road salt in the winter, no matter what time of year, if your cat has dry skin, it needs help to prevent the skin from cracking.
If your cat has dry skin, a paw balm will help. This will protect the paws even when they are subjected to a lot of stress. Apply the balm or oil in a quiet environment.
The decisive advantage: the paw care is quickly absorbed and you don't have to worry about possible stains or product residues in your home.
Did you know?
Cats also use their paws to communicate. Just like the tail and ears, paws are also important means of communication. By raising a paw, the cat can signal tension; it may have to decide between flight or attack.
