The Best Paw Balm For Cats

  • Jessica Anderson

If you own a cat, there's a good chance you've stared at the bottom of their paws just because they're adorable. The tiny little pads aren't just cute, however. They're also an area that requires care from pet parents. If paw pads get too dry, too cold, or too hot, they can crack or even bleed. However, you can be prepared for this event by having a quality paw balm on hand.

What to Look For

While we dug into today’s paw balm market, we kept a few questions in mind: Are the ingredients safe? Is it easy to apply? Does it protect paws or simply moisturize them? Based on these key features, Natureland’s wax stood out for its ability to “protect, heal, and repair.” We also appreciated the fact that Dr. Joseph’s VetPro Complete paw balm was designed by veterinarians. Which product will be right for you and your pet? Scroll down to find out.

The Blissful Cat Paw Balm

As soft as can be

This paw balm focuses on bringing much-needed moisture to your pet's paws naturally.
Best Overall

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This moisturizing butter soaks into every layer of your pet’s paws, allowing for healing from the inside out. The natural ingredients include beeswax, shea butter, coconut oil, calendula, and more. Plus, it’s fully taste-safe for cats due to the licks that are bound to happen after application.

Pros:

  • The results of this paw balm are often obvious in the first few weeks.
  • You only need to use it once every week or two to see improvement.

Cons:

  • This is designed specifically for cats. The focus is wonderful for kitty parents, but dog owners should use a different product.

Natureland Paw Wax

Protect and heal

This organic wax works to both prevent and repair damaged paw pads.
Runner Up

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This paw balm is made of wax, which helps it work in two different ways. To start, some of the ingredients soak into the paw pad after application, helping to moisturize and repair dry skin. Second, a layer of wax stays on top of the paw pad, serving as a protective layer in harsh conditions. This could include walking on hot pavement, dashing through the snow, or tree climbing.

Pros:

  • This can safely be used by both cats and dogs. It also works on both paw pads and noses.
  • The natural ingredients stick to the paw, so you don’t have to worry about greasy prints appearing in your home.

Cons:

  • It would be nice if the wax stayed on the paw’s surface for longer. However, it’s easy to apply before your pet heads outside.

Dr. Joseph’s VetPro Complete

From nose to toes

Solve two trouble spots at once with this unique paw balm that also moisturizes pet noses.
Best For Paws And Noses

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This innovative paw balm works on pet feet as well as noses, so you can tackle all of the dry spots at once. The mixture is made by a veterinarian with all-natural ingredients, including carnauba wax, shea butter, vitamin E, and aloe. It’s labeled cruelty-free and made in the USA for your peace of mind as well.

Pros:

  • This is designed for use with both cats and dogs.
  • We love how it soaks in quickly without leaving a greasy residue.

Cons:

  • The container is fairly small, but a little balm goes a long way.

Musher’s Secret All-Season Paw Balm

Year round comfort

This paw balm is ideal for walks in the heat, the cold, and everything in between.
Best For Harsh Temperatures

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This balm is excellent for protecting your pet’s paw pads on extremely hot or cold days. It forms what the manufacturer calls a “breathable shield,” partially moisturizing your pet’s foot and partially staying on top of the skin to protect them from further irritation. And coming from a family of Canadian dog sledders, you can trust you’re getting the best of the best.

Pros:

  • This dries quickly to avoid flooring stains in your home.
  • The ingredients are safe, including beeswax and vitamin e, so it’s okay if your pet licks it off.

Cons:

  • This is designed for dogs, but it can also be used safely by cats.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if my cat needs paw balm?

Paw balm can be used preventively or for repair. If you want to prevent dry skin, you can start using it at any time. For fixing paw pad issues, you’ll notice that your pet’s paws are dry, cracked, or potentially even bleeding when this type of product is required.

Are these products designed for cats or dogs?

Paw balm can be used by both cats and dogs. Make sure the product you choose is safe for your pet — or pets if you want one salve that every furry friend in your home can benefit from.

About the Author

Jessica has two kids, but she's a parent to numerous pets, including cats, dogs, and even reptiles. Needless to say, she's an animal lover. She admits to spoiling her furry friends, and now wants to share her decades of experience in pet care with the rest of the world to help others find the best products for their four-legged families.

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