First described in the 1980s, pillow foot in cats is a rare condition with a classical appearance. In this article, I, Ivana Crnec, DVM, will explain everything you need to know about pillow foot in cats.
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Content:
- What Is Pillow Foot in Cats
- Pillow Foot in Cats: Causes and Symptoms
- Treatment for Pillow Foot in Cats
- Conclusion
What Is Pillow Foot in Cats
Pillow foot in cats is a skin condition in which a high number of plasma cells invade the flesh of the paw pads, causing inflammation and swelling.
The condition’s scientific name is feline plasma cell pododermatitis, or shortly PCP, meaning inflammation caused by plasma cells. Plasma cells, a type of white blood cells, are an integral part of the cat’s immune response.
Pillow foot is generally rare, but problematic condition. It is mild and non-painful in the early stages but evolves into severe and uncomfortable as it progresses.
Predispositions and Risk Factors
Pillow foot can occur in cats of all ages and breeds, although it appears more frequently among house cats. A 2004 study found that neutered males are overrepresented in pillow foot cases.
Brittany Kleszynski, DVM, in an article for GreatPetCare, says that “Cats with underlying viral diseases, such as feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), are thought to be at a higher risk of developing the condition.”
Pillow Foot in Cats: Causes and Symptoms
The causes of pillow foot in cats are complex, but the symptoms are straightforward, allowing easy diagnosis.
Cat Pillow Foot Causes
Pillow foot has a mysterious and poorly understood trigger. The most probable cause is immune system dysfunction summarizes a 2022 research paper.
Allergens and viral agents are the top suspects provoking the immune system. This is because pillow foot is commonly seen in cats with allergies (food or environmental) and cats with certain viral diseases.
Pillow Foot Symptoms in Cats
“Pillow foot itself is typically a visual diagnosis,” explains a Reddit user, meaning the symptoms are striking. Use the Petcube Pet Camera to monitor your cat while away and keep an eye for the following signs:
- Swollen pads with a mushy appearance
- Bleeding and ulceration of the paw pads
- Limping and sensitivity upon touch
- Enlarged lymph nodes, fever, and lethargy
A definitive diagnosis is made at the vet’s via biopsy. The typical histopathology finding says the sample looks like “the foot pad has exploded.”
Treatment for Pillow Foot in Cats
The treatment for pillow foot in cats is medical or surgical. The medical treatment includes oral steroids (prednisolone) or long-acting injectables (methylprednisolone) combined with antibiotics (doxycycline).
Cyclosporine, a potent immunosuppressant, can be used in some cats. Extreme cases of pillow foot require surgical removal of the damaged paw pad areas.
Currently, there is no foolproof natural treatment for pillow foot in cats, and mainstream therapy can be expensive. The Petcube Emergency Fund gives up to $3,000 for emergency vet bills, unlimited access to online vets, and is available with 27% discount through this link.
Conclusion
Pillow foot in cats is a rare and non-fatal but uncomfortable and problematic inflammation of the paw pads. Call the vet and schedule an appointment if your cat’s pads start looking like pillows - swollen and puffy.
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