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Cats/Cat paw pad white spot

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Expert: - 11/24/2010


Question

Drakey Paw Pad
Hi,

I just randomly noticed that my cat has a white spot on 2 of
his paw pads. They kind of look like dray skin, like a
calice or something. I don't think it's serious but i wanted
to know if this was common?  Here is a picture for you to
see.
Let me know what you think.
He is about 7 year old and is de-clawed. He's an indoor cat
who doesn't do much.

Amanda

Answer
Hi Amanda,

I can't say for sure, but it seems possible that your kitty could be developing what's known as cutaneous horns on his toes.  These are somewhat similar to calluses in that they are thickened skin.  It's unclear what causes them.  They tend to be more common in cats who have either the feline leukemia or feline AIDS viruses, but many cats get them for no known reason.

Horns begin as hardened skin and continue to develop into visibly pointed growths.  They might resemble claws, although they are not claws in any manner.  They don't usually cause the cat pain but if they begin to cause issues with walking, they can be trimmed down, just like a callus, since they don't contain any blood vessels.

However, it might also be that your cat has contracted a skin infection such as staph or has contact allergies to something in the home.  Dry skin is, indeed, a possibility, as well.  The only sure way to know is to have a vet look at him.  That's the safest bet, so I would highly recommend having him checked out, especially if the condition seems to spread or cause him pain at all.

Best of luck!

Jessica  

Jessica

Expertise

The areas in which I have gained the most experience are cat health and feral cat management/rescue. I provide supportive care to chronically ill cats, hospice care to terminally ill cats and also am involved in trap-neuter-return efforts. My specialities lie in taming feral cats and in the allopathic treatment of cats with illnesses or special needs. I also have owned Siamese, Himalayans, Abyssinians, Russian Blues, Savannahs, Bengals, Peterbalds, Don Sphynx and Oriental Shorthairs and am well-versed in cat breeds as well as cat behavior and nutrition.

Experience

I have 15 years of extensive experience with cats ranging from breeding to medical care. My daily routine consists of caring for cats with diabetes, thyroid disease, kidney failure, feline leukemia, feline AIDS as well as feral cats. I have experience with liver patients, heart patients, feline infectious peritonitis, cancer, recovery from amputation and trauma, congenital deformities and most every disease in between. I have assisted cats giving birth and hand-nursed kittens who were neglected by their mother from 2 days old through weaning.

Education/Credentials
15 years' hands-on experience

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