Initial Symptoms of Feline Interdigital Infection

Feline interdigital infection is mainly caused by environmental factors and skin sensitivity, which mainly manifests as redness and swelling of the interdigital area with a slight burning sensation. Cats may lick the affected area with their tongues and rub their feet on the ground. If interdigital infection occurs, antibiotics should be taken orally, along with topical antiseptic ointments. Additionally, an Elizabethan collar should be worn to prevent the cat from licking the area.

Causes of Interdigital Infection

There are various causes of feline interdigital infection. One of them is moisture on the paws: when a cat's paws are constantly damp, the skin's keratin layer becomes less resistant to abrasion, making it easier for sharp objects to scratch the surface. In a moist interdigital area, bacteria can more easily invade the wound and cause infection. Initially, the infection may manifest as sensitivity and redness, but it can gradually develop into abscesses. Interdigital infection may also be caused by parasites, atopic dermatitis, allergies to cleaning agents or grains in cat food, and autoimmune diseases.

Treatment of Interdigital Infection

The treatment plan for feline interdigital infection typically includes the following aspects:

1. Examine the skin of the affected area to diagnose the cause of the infection.
2. Clean and remove the hair around the infected area.
3. Clean the affected area daily with a cleaning solution containing antibacterial ingredients.
4. Choose appropriate medication based on the examination results.

Prevention of Interdigital Infection

1. Keep your cat's feet clean. Regularly clean the paws: when the cat comes home from outside, clean its claws and inspect them to remove dirt brought in from outside, preventing bacterial proliferation. If you notice a moist reddish substance at the root of the nail, handle it promptly.
2. Regularly deworm your cat: Avoid cats developing interdigital infection due to parasites or skin diseases that cause itching and lead them to lick their paws, making the area moist.