Why are my cat's paw's hot?

Ever touched your cat's paws and noticed they felt like little radiators?

Cats regulate their body temperature through their paws. Warm paws can result from normal physiological processes, like blood circulation or heat dissipation after playing or being in a warm environment.

Remember, cats have a higher normal body temperature than humans, ranging from 100.5°F to 102.5°F, so their paws can feel extra toasty to us! But it could also mean something more or point to an underlying health issue.

So how can you tell?

Let’s dig into why your feline friend's paws might feel hot and what it means for their health.

Why cat paws get hot

There are many reasons our cat's paws might feel warm (and sometimes it might just be in our heads). If you're ever in doubt about your kitty's wellness, consulting a vet is always the best course of action!

That said, here are some potential culprits:

• Normal temperature regulation: Cats might have warm paws after exercise or due to environmental heat. Since they have fewer sweat glands elsewhere in their body, their paws can become a key area for heat dissipation.

• Heatstroke: Overheating, especially in hot weather, can cause hot paws, along with other serious symptoms like panting, drooling, and lethargy. Heatstroke is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention, so take action quickly if you see these signs.

• Fever: If your cat's warm paws are accompanied by other symptoms like lethargy, loss of appetite, or behavioral changes, it could indicate a fever. A fever in cats often means their body is fighting off an infection or illness, which could get serious.

• Inflammation: Conditions such as pododermatitis (inflammation of the paw pads) can cause the paws to become swollen and possibly warm. The exact cause of inflammation can be tricky to determine; it could be due to an auto-immune problem, or it could be allergy-related.

• Injury: Trauma or injury, including burns or cuts, can cause warmth in the paws. If your cat has recently walked on hot surfaces or sharp objects, this could explain the heat.

• Stress or anxiety: Stress and anxiety can cause your cat to start sweating through their paws. Their paws may also feel warmer than usual.

Can cat paws get burned?

Yep. Like we said, cats might walk on hot surfaces like pavement or stoves, leading to burns on their paws. Signs of burns include redness, blisters, or your cat licking their paws excessively.

Signs your cat's hot paws might be dangerous

Here are some key signs to watch for to determine if your cat's warm paws indicate a more serious issue:

• Behavioral changes: If your cat is limping, reluctant to walk, excessively licking their paws, or appears more lethargic than usual, these could be signs of discomfort or pain.

• Visual signs: Look closely for swelling, redness, blisters, or any cuts or abrasions on your cat’s paws. These could indicate burns, infections, or other injuries.

• Fever symptoms: A cat's normal body temperature ranges from 100.5°F to 102.5°F. If you suspect a fever, check for additional symptoms like lethargy, decreased appetite, or just seeming generally unwell. Warm ears alongside warm paws can also be a clue.

• Damaged paw pads: Healthy paw pads should be soft and smooth. Roughness, cracking, or unusual texture could point to a health issue.

• Consistent warmth: If your cat’s paws stay consistently warm regardless of their activity level or the environmental temperature, it might be time to consult a vet.

Worried about your kitty's paws? Call your vet. If you can't get in right away, it might be a good time for a televet visit to get more information and advice!

What a vet visit for hot paws might look like

When you take your cat to the vet for hot paws, they’ll kick things off with a thorough physical exam. They’ll likely check your cat’s paws closely for any visible signs of burns, infections, or injuries that might be causing the heat.

Next up, the vet will take your cat’s temperature to rule out a fever, which could point to underlying issues like infections or systemic illnesses. Since we know a cat’s normal body temperature is between 100.5°F and 102.5°F, anything higher might mean a fever and call for more tests.

If the vet suspects an infection or inflammation, they might run some blood tests to try and diagnose the problem.

Based on what they find, the vet will craft a treatment plan just for your cat. This could include antibiotics for infections, ointments for burns, or other specific treatments to tackle the root cause. The goal is to ease the symptoms and get your cat back to feeling great as soon as possible.

Your vet might schedule a follow-up visit to make sure your cat is healing up nicely and responding well to the treatment. This check-in is super important for tracking progress and tweaking the treatment plan if needed, so your kitty can get back to full health in no time.

If your cat has no other symptoms of illness, your vet may just suggest monitoring them. Remember, cats have a higher average body temperature than we do, so their skin can just feel warm to the touch compared to ours.

Preventing hot or damaged paws in cats

Indoor safety

To keep your cat's paws safe and healthy, you can take a few simple precautions.

During extreme temperatures, keep your cat indoors and away from hot surfaces like stovetops or heated floors. If your cat likes to explore outside or spend time in a catio, make sure they have access to shady, cool spots to chill out. (Meanwhile, read our article on tips and products to keep your cat cool over the summer.)

Regularly check your cat’s paws for any signs of injury, burns, or infection.

Strive to keep your home at a comfortable temperature or offer "cooling zones" to help regulate your cat's body heat and prevent them from overheating (although some cats just LOVE lying in the sun, no matter what the temperature is).

The bottom line?

Your cat's paws might feel hot for a variety of reasons, from normal temperature regulation to more serious health issues. It's hard to tell. (Thank goodness for vets.)

Cat insurance is a lifesaver for those unexpected vet visits when your feline friend needs medical attention. It's always better to be prepared for whatever comes your way!

*pre-existing conditions excluded from coverage. See your policy for details.