Cat Lost a Claw, What Should I Do?
Suppose you’ve spotted bits of your cat’s claws lying around. This is a normal and a healthy part of owning a cat.
As their cat claws grow from the blood supply (known as the quick), they create a claw sheath. These sheaths eventually peel off and shed, revealing a sharper claw underneath.
Not to worry if you’re only finding small, thin pieces of a claw—this shedding is a natural part of your cat’s life. However, if you notice larger, thicker pieces or your cat seems to be in pain, limping, or has a bloody paw, it’s essential to have your cat checked by a vet. This might signal a severe injury requiring professional care to prevent infection and ensure proper healing.
What Are Nail Sheaths?
Just like human nails, cats’ claws need attention too. As they grow, they become dull and less effective for defense or use as tools. The dull part breaks off, revealing a sharper claw underneath, like our nails breaking away.
Long claws aren’t just awkward for cats; they can be uncomfortable to walk on, changing pressure points on their paws. Shedding the sheaths naturally sharpens the claws, making walking more comfortable.
This shedding process also prevents claws from growing excessively. They might curve into the paw pads if they get too long, causing pain and potential infection. Some cats might even need surgery to remove claws embedded in their pads if left unattended.
How Do Claw Sheaths Shed?
Cats naturally shed their claw sheaths while scratching. They'll use scratching posts, furniture, carpets, or wood to naturally shed these sheaths.
Trimming your cat's nails also helps shed these sheaths; the clipping breaks and peels away the sheath, which is a normal and healthy process.
For their back paws, cats often bite and pull on the sheaths to remove them. You can assist by providing scratching materials and ensuring regular nail trims to help your cat maintain its claws properly.
What is a Torn Toenail?
When a cat tears a toenail, it’s quite painful for them, and you might notice your cat crying due to the injury. Because of the abundant blood supply at the base of the nail, the affected toenail may bleed for a while, with intermittent stopping and starting. Leaving it untreated can lead to infections, becoming more severe health issues. Kittens, especially, are prone to toenail tears due to their high energy and delicate claws. Similar pain can occur if a cat’s claws are trimmed too short during grooming. Seeking vet care is crucial for proper healing.
Without regular grooming, a cat’s claws grow long and sharp, making them susceptible to getting caught on surfaces like carpet, furniture, or tree bark. When this happens, the cat might panic and pull its paw back, potentially tearing the nail partially or entirely off. While this is common in cats, it’s usually not life-threatening.
Why do nails break?
Cats adore scratching surfaces, but in doing so, they can break their nails on items like carpets, upholstery, or scratching posts. Other times, a cat might accidentally land on a foot or toe, causing a nail to bend backward and break. Nails can become dry and brittle with older cats, breaking easily without much stress. Longer nails are more prone to getting snagged. A broken nail is painful and can bleed, needing immediate care, whether due to jumping or natural brittleness.
Why are broken nails such a problem?
Cats’ nails have a core of blood vessels and nerves known as the quick or nail bed. Surrounding this are tough keratin layers, protecting these sensitive parts. While the quick is living tissue, the keratin isn’t. Trimming the nail’s tip isn’t painful for your pet, but reaching the quick can cause discomfort.
What should I do if my cat has broken a nail?
When your cat displays sudden signs of distress, like yelping in pain or limping, it could signal a broken nail. Taking immediate action can help alleviate their discomfort and prevent further complications. Here’s a step-by-step guide for handling a potential broken nail:
Securely Restrain Your Cat: Even the most docile cat might react defensively when in pain. Safely immobilize your pet by enlisting someone’s help to hold them gently while you examine the affected paw. Using a towel to swaddle or create a gentle restraint soothes your cat and prevents accidental scratching or biting.
Control Bleeding: If bleeding from the injured toe, apply gentle pressure using gauze or a clean towel. If the bleeding persists, styptic powder, a silver nitrate stick, or cauterizing powder (available at pet stores or pharmacies) can help stop the bleeding. Substances like baking powder, flour, or even a bar of soap can aid in clotting without these items.
Trim the Damaged Part (If Possible): While there might be a loosely attached part of the nail, leaving this delicate task to a veterinarian is often advisable. Carefully wrapping the paw in paper towels can help protect it on the way to the clinic.
Veterinary Care: At the vet, they’ll handle the delicate removal of the damaged nail, possibly using sedation or a nerve block to manage pain. Trimming the nail above the break will ensure complete removal of the damaged portion, allowing for proper regrowth.
Prevent Infection: To safeguard against infection, your vet might apply antibiotic ointment or powder to the exposed nail bed and bandage the foot. Follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor healing progress and change or remove the bandage as needed.
Manage Pain: After such an injury, your cat might experience discomfort. Your vet may prescribe pain medication or administer an injection to ensure your feline friend is as comfortable as possible during recovery.
Recovery of a Broken Nail in Cats
Ensuring your cat’s wound heals well involves maintaining cleanliness. This means changing bandages daily and checking for any signs of infection, like swelling or redness. Once the bandage is off, regular paw washing until full recovery is essential. Stick to the antibiotic regimen as prescribed. Consider using an Elizabethan collar if needed to prevent licking or biting at the wound.
Recovery odds are excellent, especially without any infection. A new toenail should grow back within a few months. Keep an eye on the regrowth to ensure the claw doesn’t grow ingrown or sideways, which could cause pain or a bacterial infection. Trimming your cat’s nails monthly can prevent torn toenails; clip the tips carefully to avoid hurting your cat. Introducing a scratching post can also help keep their nails from getting too long.
How to trim Cat Claws?
You have options when it comes to trimming your cat’s nails. Veterinarians often provide nail trimming services by trained technicians, while professional groomers can also help maintain your cat’s nails if you find it challenging to do yourself.
If you prefer DIY, using quality tools like the Hepper’s Cat Nail Clipper Set makes at-home trimming easier. This set includes stainless steel clippers with safety guards and locking mechanisms, a built-in nail file, and a handy pouch for convenience.
FAQs
How often should I trim my cat's claws?
Regular trimming is essential; aim for once every 2-4 weeks to maintain healthy claws and prevent overgrown cat claws.
When should I seek veterinary care for my cat's claws?
If you notice signs of infection, excessive bleeding, or if your cat seems in pain, it's crucial to seek veterinary attention promptly.
What's the significance of a scratching post for cats?
Scratching posts fulfill cats' natural need to scratch, helping shed claw sheaths and maintain healthy claws. They also provide mental stimulation and territory marking.
How do cats shed their claw sheaths?
Cats naturally shed their claw sheaths through scratching on various surfaces, aiding in revealing a sharper claw underneath.
Is it advisable to trim my cat's nails at home?
It's possible, but proper technique and caution are essential. If unsure, asking your veterinarian for guidance is recommended.
What should I do if my feline is missing a claw or a part of it?
Seek immediate veterinary attention. Missing claws or parts can lead to pain, infection, and potentially require medical intervention.
What actions can I take to keep my cat's paws healthy?
Regular nail trimming, providing scratching materials, and routine veterinary check-ups contribute to maintaining your cat's paw health.
How do I handle my cat's scratching behavior?
Redirecting their scratching to appropriate posts or surfaces, offering positive reinforcement, and keeping nails trimmed can manage their scratching tendencies.
What if I notice pus or signs of infection around my cat's nails?
Any signs of pus or infection warrant a vet visit immediately. Infections around the nails can lead to severe health issues if left untreated.
How can I ensure my cat's comfort during a visit to the vet or animal hospital?
Creating a comfortable carrier experience, familiarizing them with the carrier, and positively reinforcing vet visits can help alleviate stress for your cat.
