Cats with Interdigital Dermatitis: Symptoms and Care

Section 1: Common Causes of Feline Interdigital Dermatitis

1. Prolonged moisture between a cat's toes can lead to interdigital dermatitis. Cats naturally have a lot of hair around their toes, which can harbor bacteria brought in from the outside. If the area between the toes remains wet, it creates an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive, potentially leading to infection.

2. Foreign objects piercing the cat's feet can also cause infections.

Section 2: Identifying Feline Interdigital Dermatitis

Cat interdigital dermatitis typically presents with the following four characteristics, which can help owners recognize the condition:

1. When a cat has interdigital inflammation, it may walk unnaturally. If blisters form, the cat's gait can resemble ours when we have blisters on the soles of our feet, limping and avoiding putting weight on the affected area.

2. Affected cats often lick their injured feet continuously, as the discomfort from the wound prompts them to use saliva as a natural attempt to soothe the area, much like how they would lick a wound.

3. When owners approach or hold the cat, they may notice an unpleasant odor. This is due to the bacteria on the feet, which often include mold, releasing a foul smell.

4. Upon examination, owners can see small bumps on the cat's feet, which may have developed into purple or reddish nodules. When pressed, these nodules may burst, releasing bloody secretions.

If a cat exhibits all four of these symptoms, it is highly likely that the cat has interdigital dermatitis.

Section 3: How to Treat Feline Interdigital Dermatitis

When a cat has interdigital dermatitis, there will be a wound on the toes. To properly treat the wound, it is essential to first trim the cat's foot hair, removing the hair that can hide bacteria, to facilitate subsequent treatment. Prepare the following items: hydrogen peroxide, erythromycin ointment or spray, medical breathable gauze, adhesive tape, and cotton swabs.

1. Begin by cleaning and disinfecting the cat's foot. Once the area is dry, apply the erythromycin ointment to the wound, ensuring thorough cleaning and complete coverage. After applying the ointment, wrap the foot with gauze and secure it to prevent secondary infection. The same process applies when using the spray.

2. If the cat does not show signs of improvement after two days of home treatment, it is advisable to take the cat to a veterinarian for professional care.

Summer is a season when pets are more prone to interdigital dermatitis, and dealing with infections can be more challenging. Therefore, it is recommended that owners take proactive care of their pets, such as regularly trimming their hair and nails to reduce the conditions for bacterial hiding. Additionally, when bringing a pet cat indoors after an outing, it is important to check the cat's feet for moisture and dry them immediately if necessary.

Dr. Oxygen Pet Tips: If pet owners notice a foul smell from their cat's feet, it's important to inspect the feet for any abnormalities. Normally, a cat's feet should not have an odor. If there is an unpleasant smell, it might indicate a lack of regular cleaning or an underlying issue.