what makes a cat have different colour paw pads?

Question

I have heard pink paw pads mean a cat is a pedigree,not sure if that is true.
you can get black paw pads too.
Is it either black or pink paw pads,on a cat?

Answer 1

Genetics is what causes different colored paw pads but I don't think you can look at them and say "This cat is pedigree because his paw pads are black." or whatever. I have the cutest pic on my computer of a cat with white/pink paw pads. It's like every toe is a different color. I have a black cat with black paw pads, a natural mink Tonkinese with very dark chocolate pads and a natural mink Tonkinese with dark chocolate pads with a hint of lavender. I believe the platinum mink Tonks have lavander paw pads. It really just depends but the short answer is genetics.

Answer 2

Your cat needs to see the vet as soon as possible. Today. This could be caused by several health issues (some serious) and only a vet is going to be able to advise you. AT 13 years old it would be good for him to have a full senior cat health check up, including a full blood panel. Is your cat declawed? This kind of problem can happen in declawed cats when claw cells remain on the ends of the amputated toe bones - claws regrow and push into the paw pads - cats are very stoic about pain so may not show to you that they are in pain. If your cat is declawed, it would be a good idea to take him to a vet who does not do declawing. Vets who declaw are notorious for denying that the declawing operation has caused problems. Extra warmth in the pads indicates some kind of inflamation or infection maybe. Have you had any new flooring put down in the last six months? Some carpet and wood/laminate treatments are made from pretty strong chemicals, your cat might be having a reaction to them. Any spills of any house cleaning chemicals? Anything spilled in the garage? Is he an indoor/outdoor cat? Could he have gotten into something on his regular travels that have caused this> Give the vet a full picture of your cat's eating, drinking and elimination behaviour too, these could be very significant. I hope the vet finds something that can easily be treated. But he should see the vet very soon.

Answer 3

I have a solid black domestic shorthair who has the cutest lil pink paw pads you've ever seen.
I have a dark colored Maine Coon mix who also has pink paw pads.
I have a solid white domestic short hair who has black toe nails AND solid black paw pads.
I agree with whoever said it's a DNA thing. It would stand to reason that the same DNA sequencing that can make all cats from the same litter appear totally different, could then also make all their paw pads different as well. It's kinda like us. If not identical twins, our children are subject to have different hair or eye color and other unique characteristics. It just all depends on how the DNA from the mom and dad mix.

Answer 4

If you have a dark coloured cat it will most likely have dark coloured paw pads. It says absolutely nothing about the 'pedigree' of the cat.

It isn't always one or the other either. Many cats have mottled black and pink paw pads.

Answer 5

interesting, Ive never heard that. both my cats have pink paw pads with one brown one on each paw. so a mix is definitely possible. their not pedigree though, just cute moggies

Answer 6

It is genetics that cause this, has to do with skin pigmentation....one of my cats has pink pads with one black, the other has black pads with one pink lol

Answer 7

Never checked my cats paws I do believe they are black.

Answer 8

usually darker the pads darker the coat colour.
but not always check some breeds out they can be heredity
some white cats have black pads

Answer 9

I have had a lot of cats. They have have had black or pink or a blend of pink and dark brown.

Answer 10

Just like colour pigmentation, more likely if the cat has some dark fur on it