My cat's paw is puffy, cracked, and she's losing hair. What's wrong?

Question

My cat has balding on her front legs and belly and one paw is puffy, cracked and tender. She sometimes limps if she jumps down on that paw. What could this be? I see no sign of rash or fleas. She is an indoor cat but two weeks ago snuck outside but stayed on the lawn. No change in diet, I only use pet friendly cleaning products. Three months ago I gradually changed her brand of litter from tsc non scented to carbon clay litter, unscented. Any insight appreciated. Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 5 years and 3 months old | 7 lbs

Jessica Keay, DVM · Accepted Answer

I am sorry to hear about your kitty. It looks like she needs a veterinary visit. It looks like she could plasma cell pododermatitis aka pillowfoot. You can read more about this condition at https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952090 . The hair loss on her front legs could be related or she could have allergies, a skin infection, skin mites, or another cause. I would recommend getting her in to see her veterinarian to start treatment for the feet if they do believe it is plasma cell pododermatitis and they can closely examine her legs to determine what could be causing the hair loss.

My cat's paw is puffy, cracked, and she's losing hair. What's wrong?

Most Helpful Answer

Share