It is fascinating how our fur pets have tiny, pinkish paws, yet it protects and supports them from all their activities, including a rapid fall.
Cats do not only use their paw pads to communicate to us.
It serves countless purposes.
Cats’ Protective Paws
Did you know that cats are digitigrades?
You may have noticed that cats do not make noise when they approach you.
It is because they walk on tiptoes through their paws.
It helps them moves fast and alert.
The back part of its paws is tough enough to protect them as they jump high or run fast.
Cat paws serve as self-defense and, with the help of its claws, hunting mechanism.
It may also detect temperature and ground vibrations, signaling them how to react.
It absorbs the shock upon landing from a high fall.
Also, it defends them from any debris or dangerous items on the ground.
Even cats, like humans, have their preferred paw, showing lateral bias.
Some are even ambidextrous!
Cat paws are so important.
Now you are thinking of ways to help your cat protect it and keep it healthy.
You may wonder, do cats like their paws massaged as humans do?
Learn More:
Benefits of Massage
Massage creates an array of benefits for people.
It improves our blood circulation, relaxes our muscles, and relieves our stress.
But do cats like their paws massaged, too?
Does it have the same benefits to them?
Do Cats Like Their Paws Massaged?
Yes. Massage has a relieving effect on cats, too.
It also allows you to check for any foreign objects, fleas, or ticks in your cat’s furs.
Note, however, that some cats are not used to it. Some might feel ticklish, while others hate to expose their paws to human touch.
If it is your pet’s first time, then do it gently until it becomes used to the sensation.
You may follow these tips for an effective cat massage:
- Start with light and slow strokes on its head and down to its back.
- Talk to your cat anyhow you do.
- When your cat seems relaxed, you may start rubbing its paws through your thumb.
- With light pressure, rub each pad gently for about thirty seconds.
Paw Care Guide
As a pet parent, it is natural for you to care about cat paws.
It is not always clean.
Cats more often walk in litter boxes and dirty surfaces inside or outside the house.
Now, aside from doing massage, here are other steps you can take:
1. Inspect the condition of the paws and check if there is any limp or injury.
2. Get a clean cloth and gently wipe off any dirt on their sensitive paws.
3. Consider the paw texture. If it is dry, you may apply coconut oil.
You may also seek additional treatment from the vet.
Conclusion
Some, but not all, cats like their paws massaged.
You may try and do it yourself, following our guidelines above.
Observe how your pet cat reacts to it.
Like it does to humans, massage has a relaxing effect on cats.
