Cats have higher body temperatures than humans, ranging from 37.5 to 39.2 C. So, it’s no surprise that your cat’s paws, ears and belly feel warm to your touch. But if your cat’s paws are hot and you also notice it’s exhibiting strange behaviour, those warm paws may indicate illness or injury. Here’s what you need to know.
YOUR CAT IS COOLING DOWN
Cats release body heat through their paws, so on a warm day or after lying in a sunbeam, your feline friend may be getting rid of excessive heat through its paws. However, if your cat is panting, grooming excessively and has warm, moist paw pads, then it may be suffering from heat stroke. Heat stroke requires emergency care, so move your cat into a cool place and call a veterinarian immediately. Place cool, moist towels on its paws, groin, neck and armpits and keep them in place while you get your cat to the animal clinic.
YOUR CAT HAS SCALDS OR BURNS
Even though your cat’s paws are tough, they can get burned by hot pavement or scalded by hot liquids, resulting in blisters and making them hot to the touch. Run some cool water over its paws and apply some aloe vera gel. If the burns are severe, see a vet.
YOUR CAT HAS INJURED ITS PAW
Injuries can inflame your cat’s paws, making them hot as they try to heal. Insect stings, scrapes or cuts, ingrown claws, broken bones and injured ligaments can all cause your cat’s paws to get excessively warm. Depending on the injury, your vet may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications and recommend surgery.
YOUR CAT HAS A FEVER
Like humans, cats can get sick and get a fever. You can take your cat’s temperature using a pet thermometer. A fever is a reading of more than 39.7 C. Other signs that your cat has a fever include:
Appetite loss
Depression
Lack of energy or activity
Decreased drinking
Hiding
Decreased grooming
Shivering or rapid breathing
Seek veterinary care if the fever lasts more than a day or rises to 40 C.
VISIT OUR ANIMAL CLINIC IN TORONTO
At Bellamy-Lawrence Animal Hospital, we offer an extensive range of feline health services under one roof. Our cat clinic provides spay and neuter procedures, flea and tick control, microchipping and kitten vaccination services. Contact us at our Toronto clinic to book a check-up for your cat with one of our experienced and compassionate veterinarians.