Understanding Your Cat’s Horned Paws

If you’ve noticed a hard growth on your cat’s paw pad, you may be wondering what it is and whether or not it needs to be treated. In this blog post, we’ll explore the phenomenon of horned paws in cats and discuss the answers to common questions like what causes this condition, how to treat it and more. Read on to learn all about understanding your cat’s horned paws.

What are the hard growths on my cat’s paws?

Have you noticed a hard growth on your cat’s paw pad? It is likely a horned paw, which is an overgrowth of keratin, the same stuff that makes up our hair and fingernails. Also called cutaneous horns, a horned paw can look like a callus or scab on the paw pad; or appear as a claw growing up to meet your cat’s real claw curving down. They aren’t usually dangerous but if you notice one of these growths on Kitty’s paw, it’s worth having your veterinarian take a look at it to make sure it isn’t anything more serious.

What causes cutaneous horns in cats

The exact cause of this condition is unknown. Essentially it is similar to psoriasis in humans, where skin cells multiply excessively. In hyperkeratosis, the cells that produce keratin go on hyperdrive. Cutaneous growths can also appear on Kitty’s face. It usually develops spontaneously.

Suggestions for causes include:

• Genetic predisposition is most likely cause
• Environmental factors such as infections or allergies 
• Hormonal imbalances
• Calluses developed from constant friction and rubbing on the paw pads. 
• FeLV infection
• Squamous cell carcinoma

Do horned paws hurt cats

In most cases, no. As long as the horns aren’t on a weight-bearing part of the paw, your cat won’t experience pain or trouble with mobility. They can cause problems if they do appear on weight-bearing areas. Just like nails, the horned paws get longer and longer until they curve back and start poking at the paws. In severe cases, if left to grow, cutaneous horns can be quite disfiguring to Kitty’s paws.

Related Post: Learn more about Paw and Claw Care

How to treat horned paws in cats

In mild cases, the cutaneous tissue may be able to be gently trimmed away with a pair of sterilized scissors or clippers. You can soften the horns on the paws by using lotions or moisturizers that are pet-friendly. Coconut oil is my go-to. But this will not remove the horns or prevent them from continuing to grow.

Your vet will probably want to remove the growths and biopsy if there is any concern that the hyperkeratosis is caused by an underlying disease like cancer or FeLV. The vet may recommend alternative treatments such as cryosurgery or electrocautery. Kitty may be treated with Interferon or Azithromycin, either alone or with surgery. 

Do horned paws go away?

One of the most common questions asked by cat owners is whether or not a cutaneous horn on Kitty’s paw will go away. In the wild, the growth will often come off naturally from climbing trees or scratching, but they most likely will grow back. Cutaneous horned paws typically don’t go away on their own and require veterinary assistance to remove them at the root so to speak if they are painful or interfere with Kitty’s mobility.

Can I trim my cat’s cutaneous horns?

Is it safe to trim the horns? The short answer is yes; cutaneous horns are just hardened skin with no nerves, blood vessels or anything that could cause pain. But trimming your cat’s horns isn’t usually necessary. Your groomer can help you keep the cutaneous growths trimmed down when she takes care of Kitty’s nails.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is not uncommon for cats to have horned paws. While it is often a harmless genetic abnormality, it can sometimes cause discomfort or pain and should be checked by a vet if it becomes persistent. Luckily, there are corrective surgeries available in these cases, which can help restore your cat’s paw to its normal functioning state.