Paw looks odd

[FineAsWeAre]

Does anyone know what this is on my boy’s paw pads? His other ones look normal. He doesn’t seem bothered by it. Going to the vet massively stresses him out (he bit her last time!) so want to avoid unnecessary trips but will obviously take him if need be.

Yes I came across this for the first time elsewhere recently - something called 'horned paws'. Most of the time it's nothing to worry about and the only reason you need to keep an eye on them is that the claws can sometimes curve into them and hurt.

There are rare mentions online of it being linked to more serious conditions but the cat I recently heard about who has these is perfectly healthy and has no other serious illnesses or symptoms. But ask the vet just to be sure rather than trusting me.