Glossary

Paw pads

The thick, cushioned, hairless pads on the underside of a cat's feet that absorb shock, give grip and help it walk quietly.

Also called: toe beans, cat paws, paw cushions, footpads

A cat's paw pads are thick, fatty cushions of tough skin, with a large pad in the middle and a smaller pad under each toe. Fans call them toe beans. The pads absorb shock when the cat lands, provide grip on slippery ground and help muffle footsteps, which suits a quiet hunter. They are coloured pink, black or a mix, often matching the coat.

The pads also have a sensory role, since they contain nerve endings that pick up vibration and texture. Cats have sweat glands in the pads, and a nervous cat sometimes leaves damp paw prints on the vet's table. There are scent glands between the toes too, which is part of the reason kneading and scratching leave a personal mark.

Check the pads from time to time. They can be cut by glass, burned on hot pavement, dried or cracked in cold weather and irritated by some floor cleaners and de-icing salts. Limping, constant licking at the feet, swelling, bleeding or pads that turn pale, crusty or thickened are reasons to ask your vet. Do not apply human creams unless your vet says it is safe.

Last reviewed November 7, 2026

In the index now

Related terms

Retractable claws Cat claws that rest sheathed inside the toe tips and extend only for climbing, gripping and hunting, which keeps them sharp. Dewclaw The small thumb-like claw higher up on the inner side of each front leg that does not touch the ground. Scent marking How a cat leaves chemical messages on objects, people and places using glands in its face, paws and body, and in its urine. Kneading The rhythmic pushing of a cat's front paws against a soft surface, a habit that starts in nursing kittens and usually signals comfort.

Related guides

How to trim a cat's claws How to trim your cat's claws safely at home, where the quick sits, how often to do it, and when to stop or ask a vet for help. Why cats knead Why cats push their paws in and out on soft surfaces, what it tells you, how to handle sharp claws and when unusual kneading is worth a mention to a vet.