Is It Normal for a Cat’s Paw Pads to Feel Warm?

1 Is It Normal for a Cat’s Paw Pads to Feel Warm?

1. Normal heat dissipation. If the cat only has warm paw pads with no other abnormal behavior, it is simply normal heat dissipation, occurring after play or eating. No need to worry; it returns to normal once excess heat is spent.

2. Heatstroke. If warm paws are accompanied by rapid breathing and lethargy, the cat likely has heatstroke. Move it to a cool, ventilated place, wipe the paw pads with alcohol or a cool damp towel to lower temperature. If severe, take it to a veterinary hospital immediately to avoid shock.

3. Cold or fever. If the paw pads are very hot to the touch, it may be a fever from a cold. Place an ice pack on the abdomen, paw pads, and armpits, or wipe those areas with alcohol. If the fever eases, take the cat to a veterinary hospital promptly.

4. Infectious disease. Infectious diseases such as feline infectious peritonitis or parasite infection can cause fever and hot paws. In this case, take the cat to a veterinary hospital for examination and treatment, since most infectious diseases only show fever when severe.

The above covers whether it is normal for a cat’s paw pads to feel warm. Note: most of the time warm paws are just heat dissipation, but if the whole body is hot, it may be fever or another disease. Learn to tell the difference.