Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My cat's paws are cold. Is this normal, or should I be concerned?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed | 4 months and 29 days old | 3 lbs

Is it normal for a cats paws to be cool or cold? What does this mean?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on September 20th, 2019

A cat can sweat from their paw pads, so they may feel cooler to the touch than the rest of their body. This is normal unless you are seeing any issues such as general signs of illness, or the paw pads look infected, cracked, or wounded.

Vote icon

3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Image profile

    Answered By Karly Macon, DVM, MS, CVA Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 24th, 2017

    Cats can't sweat or dissipate heat by panting, so they get rid of heat by changing the temperature in the pads of the paws. They will change temperature all the time and this is normal, as long as Tigger is eating, drinking, and acting normally.

    Vote icon

    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why are my cat's paws so warm?
Cats paws can feel warm to us because a cat's normal body temperature is higher than ours, between 99.5 - 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have any worries that your cat is running a [fever](https://www.petcoach.co/article/5-common-causes-of-fever-in-pets), you can always get a [rectal temperature](https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-take-your-pet-s-temperature-in-7-easy-steps/) (if he will let you!). But if he is acting normal and there is no [vomiting](https://www.petcoach.co/cat/condition/vomiting/), decreased appetite or diarrhea, he is probably fine.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My cat's paw pads are cold. when he was younger they were warm all the time but now they feel like he's cold I don't think he is actually cold because we live in Texas and it's fairly warm here
Cats can't sweat or dissipate heat by panting, so they get rid of heat by changing the temperature in the pads of the paws. They will change temperature all the time and this is normal, as long as Tigger is eating, drinking, and acting normally.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why are her pads so cold almost all the time?
Paw pads are typically cold either when they have been in contact with a cold surface or when the blood is not perfusing the paw pads properly. Poor perfusion can occur with underlying heart disease, conditions causing low blood pressure, blood clot formation, or other underlying conditions. It is not normal for Beesly's paw pads to consistently be cold if she is inside. It would be best to have her evaluated by her vet. If heart disease is suspected, Beesly would benefit from a consultation with a veterinary cardiologist. I hope that all goes well!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My cat Mitty has dark red splotches on bottom of her paws (on the pink area) well 3 of her paws to be exact both back paws and her front left paw. They almost look like blood underneath the pink area of paws under skin. Is this maybe just the color o
Based on your photos, this looks like pigmented areas of the paw pad, which can be normal in some cats. If the areas are not raised or painful then this is likely the case. If, however, the colored areas are a different texture/raised or seem painful/sensitive then a veterinary exam is recommended.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What is this on my cats paw?
This could be due to a hyperkeratosis of the pads. Hyperkeratosis is a thickening of the skin which can occur in cats and dogs when too much keratin, or the fibrous proteins that comprise the outer layer of skin, is produced. This leads to excessive skin, which becomes hard, thickened, dried out, and callous-like. Usually is completely benign and no further action is needed.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Training & Behavior
My cat is very lethargic, he's not eating and his paws are cold to the touch
Thanks for using Boop by Petco! Loss of appetite and lethargy can be observed with many conditions such as gastroenteritis, dietary indiscretion, kidney disease, pancreatitis, among many other possibilities. Cold feet could be an indication of dehydration, low blood pressure, hypothermia, among many other possibilities. I recommend that you have Chaz evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible for further assessment and treatment as this can be something concerning. They would be able to check for these possibilities and others depending on the findings on exam. Treatment would be based on findings. Good luck and have a good night! Hoping for a speedy recovery!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My cat's ears are always cold. Is this normal?
Hi, thanks for using Boop by Petco! If Willa is acting normal then the temperature of her ears probably doesn’t mean anything. The blood vessels in ears are small and can dilate or construct depending on the ambient (room temperature). Just like how our hands and feet can get cold but we feel fine. I hope this helps! Have a good day!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Hi, half of my kittens paw is brown on both front paws but her feet (back paws) are ok. She not limping and when I touch paw she does not wince!Thanks
It could be a normal color change, a bacterial or fungal skin infection, or from saliva staining from licking the area too much (allergies). Have your vet take a look at it to determine if there is anything abnormal that needs to be treated. If she doesn't seemed bothered by it and you don't see any swelling, redness, or discharge than it may just be normal.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
My cat is 9 and an indoor cat. The last couple of days he’s been asking for food more often, has cold paws, and has become more friendly. Should I be worried?
Those aren't inherently concerning signs, so I think it's ok to just keep an eye on him for any more changes at this point. If he starts to get thin, while asking for more food, I would be concerned about hyperthyroid disease. Or if he just seems wrong and you can't put your finger on it, that's also a good reason for a general check up. Good luck!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Hi, I have 2 cats and one cat is always much warmer to touch and even the vet realise it but no consequence. His paws are swollen and starting to crack. What can it be? A chronic inflammation? He is 2 years old
Casplan's swollen and cracked paws are very concerning and he needs to be examined by the veterinarian today. Swollen paws can be related to a blockage in the lymphatic or venous systems, an autoimmune disease, something like a rubber bandage around the leg, low plasma protein or a significant blood pressure problem. All of these conditions need to be addressed quickly. The veterinarian will get a better idea of the cause after a physical exam. Best of luck.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored