Why Are My Cat’s Paws Peeling? Expert Causes, Identification & Care

Identifying triggers early helps ease irritation and boost your pet’s overall wellbeing.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Sep 29, 2025

Identifying triggers early helps ease irritation and boost your pet’s overall wellbeing.

Why Are My Cat’s Paws Peeling? Veterinary Causes and Solutions

Seeing your cat’s paw pads peeling or cracking is concerning for any pet owner. While cat paws are designed to be tough and resilient, various factors—from simple irritants to underlying medical conditions—can cause the skin on the pads to flake, peel, or become inflamed. Understanding the reasons, identifying symptoms early, and knowing when to consult a veterinarian are essential steps in keeping your feline friend comfortable, mobile, and pain-free.

Signs That Your Cat’s Paws Are Peeling

Spotting peeling or unhealthy paw pads can be tricky, especially since cats are masters at hiding discomfort. However, several visible and behavioral clues can alert you to problems:

Flaky or peeling skin on the pads or between toes
Brittle nails or splintered claws
Redness or inflammation around paws
Cracks, fissures, or crusty areas on pads
Oozing or moist skin (indicative of infection)
Changes in pad color—such as a purple or dark pink hue
Unusual swelling or puffiness

Besides physical changes, cats may show behavioral signs such as:

Excessive licking, chewing, or grooming of paw region
Limping or favoring one or more paws
Reluctance to walk, jump, or play
Vocalizing or withdrawing when paws are touched

To thoroughly check your cat’s paws, gently examine:

Skin under fur between toes
All nail beds—including dewclaws
The entire surface of the paw pads

Key Causes of Cat Paw Pad Peeling

Paw peeling may have several underlying causes, some mild and others needing prompt veterinary attention. Here are the most common:

1. Injury (Trauma)

Paw trauma refers to accidental damage—like landing on rough objects, getting caught, or scratches from other animals. When the skin barrier is disrupted, it may peel as it heals. Look for soreness, limping, and visible wounds. Infection from a wound can also result in loose or shedding skin. Sometimes, cats vocalize when you touch the affected paw, but remember: cats often hide pain.

2. Burns

Cats who venture outdoors risk burns from hot surfaces (metal roofing, pavement, or tarmac). Burned pads often appear red, blistered, or have circular peeling spots. Usually, all paws in contact with the hot surface show signs. Mild burns can resolve with time and cool water soaks, but monitor for worsening symptoms, which demand vet attention.

3. Allergies

Cats are prone to allergies—not just respiratory hay fever, but skin allergies. Common triggers include:

Environmental allergens: Pollen, grass, or lawn chemicals
Food allergies
Flea bites/flea allergy dermatitis

Allergy reactions cause inflammation, itching, and frequent grooming. Cats may over-lick their paws, amplifying damage and peeling. If you observe ongoing itchiness, or paw peeling linked with environmental exposure or food changes, schedule a vet consultation.

4. Infections

Certain skin infections often manifest as peeling paw pads. The most frequent culprits include:

Ringworm (fungal, not an actual worm): Causes fur loss, flaky patches, and may affect young cats more
Mite infestations (parasitic): Skin irritation, crusting, and sometimes peeling

If you suspect an infection, prompt veterinary diagnosis and treatment are vital—for your cat’s health and to prevent transmission to other pets.

5. Autoimmune Diseases

Although rare, autoimmune disorders can affect cat paw pads. Pemphigus foliaceus is the most notable—causing abnormal, crusty lesions, usually not limited to the paws but also present on eyelids, lips, and nostrils. Early symptoms may mimic simple peeling but quickly progress. These diseases require specialist diagnosis and careful treatment.

6. Over-Grooming Due to Stress or Anxiety

Some cats cope with anxiety or environmental stress by over-grooming their paw region. Excessive licking leads to hair removal, dry or peeling skin, and worsening inflammation. Secondary symptoms include:

Vocalizing
Erratic or withdrawn behavior
Hiding, changes in activity level

Consult a vet or feline behavioral specialist if stress-related overgrooming is suspected. Reducing environmental stress, increasing mental stimulation, and providing safe spaces can help.

Additional Paw Conditions: Pillow Foot (Plasma Cell Pododermatitis)

Some cats suffer from a unique immune-mediated condition called pillow foot (plasma cell pododermatitis or PCP), which specifically targets the paw pads:

Pads become swollen, puffy, and smooth
Multiple feet often affected
Deep fissures or cracks develop over time
Pads may show deep pink/purple coloring with white streaks
Indents under pressure; may develop ulcerations or break open
Lameness or limping as pads worsen

Rare systemic signs (due to mass plasma cell activation) include:

Bridge of nose swelling
Upper respiratory tract symptoms
Oral inflammation (stomatitis)
Kidney capillary dysfunction (glomerulonephritis)
Eosinophilic granuloma (white cell masses/lesions)

The exact cause of PCP remains unclear, behaving like an autoimmune process. Triggers can include environmental or food allergies, and infections such as FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) or FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus). Outdoor male cats are statistically more susceptible.

How Veterinarians Diagnose Peeling Paw Pads

Physical exam: Inspection of skin, claws, and all paw surfaces
Skin scrapings: To check for mites, fungal infection, or ringworm
Lab testing: Bloodwork and immune profiling if autoimmune disease suspected
Cytology or biopsy: Diagnosis of rare conditions like pillow foot
Allergy testing: For suspected environmental or food allergies

Timely veterinary care is critical when symptoms persist, worsen, or involve limping, pain, spreading skin changes, or systemic illness.

Essential Home Care and Prevention Tips

Always keep litter and home surfaces clean to avoid irritants and infections
Avoid walking cats on extreme heat or cold surfaces, especially outdoors
Choose safe, unscented cleaning agents for areas where cats walk
Keep cats up to date on parasite and flea prevention
Provide adequate stimulation and safe spaces to reduce anxiety-driven overgrooming
Regularly inspect paws for early signs of peeling, cracks, or swelling
Feed a balanced, high-quality diet to support skin health

Treatment Options Based on Underlying Cause

Cause	Treatment Approach
Injury/Trauma	Clean wounds, topical antibiotic if minor, veterinary care for deep injuries
Burns	Cool water soaks, pain relief, keep indoors, vet assessment for severe burns
Allergy	Identify/remove triggering allergens, antihistamines, steroids, hypoallergenic diet as advised by vet
Infection	Prescription oral/topical antifungals (ringworm), antiparasitics for mite infestations
Autoimmune Disease	Immunosuppressive drugs, regular monitoring, supportive care
Pillow Foot (PCP)	Immunomodulating treatments, anti-inflammatories, possible antiviral therapy (for FeLV/FIV)
Overgrooming/Stress	Anxiolytics, behavioral modification, enrichment strategies

When to Call the Veterinarian

Peeling persists for more than 2–3 days or spreads
Visible bleeding, oozing, or open sores
Limping, vocalizing, or refusing to walk
Systemic illness: lethargy, fever, no appetite
No improvement despite basic supportive care

Never attempt to trim or medicate paw pads yourself without veterinary direction, as incorrect treatment can worsen the condition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I tell if my cat’s peeling paws are serious or minor?

If peeling is mild, with no signs of pain, lameness, or infection, monitor for improvement. If there’s swelling, bleeding, or your cat seems uncomfortable, consult the vet.

Can I use human creams, balms, or treatments on my cat’s paw pads?

Do not use creams or balms made for humans, as ingredients may be toxic or cause further irritation. Always ask your veterinarian for safe feline products.

How can I prevent paw pad problems?

Keep household conditions clean and humidity balanced
Regularly check on your cat’s paws—especially after time outdoors
Use safe, non-irritating litter and cleaning products
Address anxiety by providing environments with places to hide, climb, or play

What is the difference between simple paw pad peeling and pillow foot?

Simple peeling is limited to superficial skin flaking from injury, dryness, or mild irritation. Pillow foot leads to swelling, deep cracks, color changes, and often affects multiple feet, indicating an immune system issue.

Can paw pad peeling spread to other body parts?

Peeling isolated to paw pads is typical of trauma or mild irritation. If you see skin changes elsewhere (face, lips, ears), a systemic issue like autoimmune disease or severe allergy may be to blame.

Conclusion

Peeling paw pads in cats warrant careful observation and—when symptoms persist or worsen—veterinary attention. Injuries, burns, allergies, infections, immune diseases, and stress can all contribute, each needing specific management. Regular paw checks, a safe environment, and prompt intervention are the keys to keeping your cat active, comfortable, and thriving.

References

Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete