Cat split nail

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Paola Cuevas. Cats shed the outer layers of their nails regularly. They will usually remove the outer layer by scratching on something and leaving a little claw-shaped nail behind, revealing the shiny and sharp new claw underneath! Some cats will keep their nails relatively short and sharp by using their scratching post or the arm of your couch! Cats can sometimes catch their nails on things, like a soft blanket, a new scratching post, or when playing outside. Longer nails are more likely to get caught on something, and if your cat pulls away before managing to free their nail, it may split.

Cat split nail

Marta Vidal-Abarca. Cats are curious creatures and sometimes get into accidents, which can lead to injuries like a broken nail. Here is what you need to do when treating a broken nail in a cat. If you notice blood, your cat is limping or constantly licking their paw, or your cat does not let you near their paw, a trip to the vet should be the first course of action. Cat nail injuries can be very painful. Given typical cat behavior and their ability to hide signs of disease, it is also possible that the nail injury happened a few days back and there is already an infection forming. If that is the case, you may notice a bad smell, pus-like discharge, and signs of pain. This requires vet intervention as soon as possible so that the infection gets prompt treatment and does not spread to the bone, for example. Gather a pair of gloves, cotton swab, antiseptic wash or cream, gauze pads, and scissors. It is also helpful to have someone else present during the treatment in case your cat gets too distressed and needs to be comforted. Use a cotton swab dipped in antiseptic wash and gently apply it around the nail bed. This will help get rid of any dirt or debris and kill any bacteria that may be present and reduce the risk of infection. Use nail clippers to gently trim off any part of the broken nail that is still attached to the skin. Keep an eye on your pet over the next few days to make sure the nail is healing properly.

Any part of the damaged nail left is more likely to get hung on things, which can cause further damage.

But cat nails grow in layers — like an onion. Ripped cat nails are pretty rare. If you notice that your cat favors a paw while walking, it could indicate a torn nail. First, take a good look at the nail. If it looks infected, take your cat to the veterinarian.

We are reader-supported. We get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Learn more. If so, you may be worried that this could be causing your kitty pain or discomfort. However, you can take a deep breath in and relax — the majority of the time this is completely normal and nothing to worry about! Just as a snake sheds its skin, cats shed the outer layers of their claws to leave strong, sharp, and healthy nails below. This could happen by itself, but cat nail splitting when cut is also common. However, there are a few cases where you should be concerned.

Cat split nail

Hepper is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. Lauren Demos. Click to Skip Ahead. However, splitting is not normal and can be painful. Furthermore, infection is possible if the splitting gets bad. If your cat has a split nail, your first step should be to control the bleeding.

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Can a broken nail be painful for my cat? About the Author Emma Stenhouse Emma is a freelance writer, specializing in writing about pets, outdoor pursuits, and the environment. The next day, you can try two nails, and give a treat and stop. Your vet may also recommend special bandages or splints to help protect the wound and give it time to heal properly. Razor Sharp Stainless Steel - The most comfortable cat nail clippers for indoor cats provide a fast Here is what you need to do when treating a broken nail in a cat. Learn more. Either way, split nails require attention. But if the nail is broken at the base, forget about using the clippers for now, so you avoid damaging the bone of the toe. The nails of older pets are often drier and more brittle and sometimes, even normal scratching behaviors can cause the nail to break. Cats are good at hiding illness and pain, so subtle signs like split nails can be a sign that they need medical attention. In some cases, a veterinarian may need to perform surgery in order to repair more serious wounds or fractures.

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You may even want to invest in several scratching posts. Lorre Luther. They will usually remove the outer layer by scratching on something and leaving a little claw-shaped nail behind, revealing the shiny and sharp new claw underneath! Learn more. Control the bleeding. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Christian started writing for a local newspaper as a teenager, and he's been involved in the publishing industry for most of his adult life. By Jana. It is always a good idea to take your cat for a checkup once the nail has healed, just to make sure there are no lingering issues or complications. Antibiotic ointment, oral medication, or injections may be recommended. Search for: Search.