July 24, 2025, 1:12 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
There are areas where cats dislike being touched. Besides the belly, the paws are also sensitive. This makes checking the paws and trimming the claws a real challenge. Why many cats dislike having their paws touched and how to gradually get them used to it is explained by PETBOOK editor and cat behavior expert Saskia Schneider.
Small, fluffy, and with knobby, black or pink pads that look so delicate–cat paws have an irresistible appeal. But anyone who has tried to touch a cat’s paw knows: Most cats immediately pull them back–and for good reason.
Cat Paws Are Extremely Sensitive
Our cats’ paws are extremely sensitive. They are not just for walking. The paw pads, in particular, serve various functions and act as sensory organs. They contain many nerve receptors, allowing cats to detect even the slightest changes in texture, pressure, and possibly vibrations through their paw pads. Therefore, the paw pads are particularly sensitive to temperature, pressure, and pain. 1
However, this does not mean that touching the paws is generally unpleasant for the animals. Some cats even love being massaged on their paws and between the pads. Some even push their paw into their owner’s face to demand attention. This usually requires a lot of trust.
Injuries to the Paw
Cats can generally hide pain well. Therefore, it may go unnoticed for a long time if they have a paw injury. Some don’t even limp if they have stepped on something like a burr. If a cat that usually liked having its paws touched suddenly shows defensive behavior, a paw injury is likely.
A very sad reason why some cats don’t want their paws touched is if their claws have been removed. Fortunately, this practice has been banned in Germany for years. However, there are still cases where cats have had their claws removed. Especially animals adopted from abroad may have suffered this cruel fate, as in other countries, particularly the U.S., the so-called “declawing” is still allowed.
Bad Experiences
If a cat has experienced pain when its paw was touched, it usually won’t allow it again. A main trigger is when owners try to trim the cat’s claws themselves. Especially with dark claws, it’s hard to see where the so-called “quick” (the blood-filled part of the cat’s claw) begins. Cutting too deep is very painful for the animal and can even cause heavy bleeding.
But cats that get their claws caught somewhere, tear them out, and then associate the situation with their human, who was just trying to help, often won’t tolerate having their paw touched anymore.
Should you cut your cat’s claws?
Cat Suddenly Limping? Here’s What Could Be Behind It
Arthritis and Pain
Older cats also usually don’t like having their paws touched. This can be because seniors generally have less patience than kittens or young cats. Additionally, the risk of developing arthritis increases with age. This can also occur in the paws and cause pain. Especially in damp weather, the animals can react sensitively. 2
Certain breeds even have a genetic predisposition. Scottish Fold, a breed banned in Germany, not only have folded ears. The mutation causing the folded ears also leads to bony formations in the joints of the front and hind paws. This can result in painful knots and bumps. 3
How Can I Get My Cat Used to Having Its Paws Touched?
If you have a cat that doesn’t like or refuses to have its paws touched, you should work with a lot of positive reinforcement. First, you need to find out what is the ultimate reward for your cat. Usually, it’s certain treats (cooked chicken is a favorite for many), but it can also be a special game or petting session. Use this to teach your cat: Every time I touch your paw, something great happens.
Start with small steps. First, move your hand close to the paw and observe at what distance your cat pulls its paw away. That’s your starting point. Reward any stillness of the paw with the jackpot–even if your hand hasn’t touched the paw yet. This way, you gradually get closer. Alternatively, or in parallel, you can practice giving paw with your cat.
Important: Conduct short but multiple training sessions a day and stop while your cat is still cooperating–at the latest, when the animal wants to leave the situation.
About the Author
Dr. Saskia Schneider is a biologist with a Ph.D. During her studies at the Free University of Berlin, she focused on zoology and animal behavior. In addition to training as an editor, she completed training as a behavior consultant specializing in cats.