Cat ingrown nails are rarely a problem in the wild because the friction of climbing trees works as a natural nail file for cats. Inside your home, however, our domesticated felines are more likely to need some grooming assistance. Curious if this is a problem with your cat? Take a look — what you're looking for is the cat claw growing into the pad of the foot.
When a cat's nails become overgrown and very long, the tip can grow around and into the cat's nail pad, resulting in a cat ingrown nail. This differs from a human's ingrown nail because the ingrown cat nail is actually growing out and back around into their paw pad, raising the pain factor significantly. Read on to learn more about spotting a cat claw growing into the pad and what you can do to help your kitty.
The Cause of Your Cat's Ingrown Nail
If you've ever seen your cat raised on their hind limbs, scratching furiously with their front paws, you may have wondered what causes them to do this. This natural habit is a behavior that sharpens the cat's nails and prevents them from overgrowing. In the wild, or with proper access to scratching posts and other nail-filing toys, ingrown nails generally don't occur or cause problems.
Among domesticated cats, however, an overgrowth of cat nails is a common problem, according to Merck Veterinary Manual. If your cat's nails are left untrimmed, and your cat does not have access to scratching posts, your cat's claws are at risk of curling around as they grow into and eventually puncture the paw pads.
How to Spot a Cat's Ingrown Nail
This is one condition that can be diagnosed by simply examining your cat's paw pads. The average pet parent can clearly identify a curved nail that makes contact with the paw pad itself. Before the claw damages the paw pad, you may notice your cat's nails getting caught on blankets or carpets more easily because the nails can no longer fully retract. Hearing a tapping sound as the cat walks on hard surfaces is another tell-tale sign. Intermittent bleeding and limping might also be observed because each step further damages the paw pad. Because of the pain associated with movement, affected cats may seem more lethargic or might lick or bite at their feet.
A common complication with ingrown claws is an infection of the injured paw pad. Discharge from the paw pad may also occur alongside an infection and can range from somewhat transparent yellow to thick yellow-green. The nails of cats are a site where bacteria and fungus become trapped and accumulate. While this usually doesn't pose a risk to cats, once the outer layer of the paw pad is punctured, the area is ripe for an infection.
Tasty Tips
Noticing a Cat Claw Growing Into the Pad?
If you do notice that your cat has one or more nails growing into their paw pads, you will want to schedule a veterinary visit as soon as possible to address this painful condition. Each excruciating step causes further injury to the paw pads to the point where long-term damage can occur.
Your veterinarian will need to heavily sedate or anesthetize your cat to initiate treatment. This step is necessary because removing a cat ingrown nail from the paw pad is intensely painful. While clipping the nail is normally a relatively simple process, your vet will have to maneuver with extra finesse to prevent further damage to the paw. The vet will then flush the wound in the paw pad with a surgical disinfectant that is safe for living tissue. Depending on the depth and severity of the resulting wound, the surrounding paw pad tissue may need to be surgically cut away and sutured shut.
All in all, the procedure is quick and relatively simple. You and your cat may be sent home with antibiotics as well as pain medication based on the severity of the injury. Bandages on the paws and a kitty cone collar around the head to prevent paw chewing may also be necessary, and recovery time is most often around one to two weeks. With veterinary intervention, the outlook for a cat ingrown nail is great. Routine nail trimming should be maintained to prevent the nail overgrowth and paw pad injury from recurring. If you are not comfortable trimming your cat's nails yourself, your veterinarian will be happy to help.
The good news is that a cat ingrown nail is entirely preventable. While it's easiest to train your cat to tolerate nail trims from the early kitten stages, this is one at-home grooming necessity that is worth the time and patience it takes to master.
Remember, routine feline mani-pedi time is not for vanity's sake — it's an important step in the prevention of overgrown nails to make sure your feline continues to have a happy and healthy pampered life.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice cat food
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful fur
Hill's Science Diet Adult Liver & Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced liver & chicken to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Adult 11+ Healthy Cuisine Seared Tuna & Carrot Medley Cat Food
Delicious seared tuna paired with tender carrots in a mouthwatering sauce
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports lean muscle and beautiful fur for adult cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Duck & Vegetable Entrée Cat Food
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
Hill's Science Diet Adult Oral Care Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Clinically proven kibble technology to reduce plaque & tartar build-up
Hill's Science Diet Adult Light Chicken Recipe cat food
20% lower calories vs. Hill's Science Diet Adult
Hill's Science Diet Felino Adulto Controle Bolas de Pelo
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Salmon Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of savory minced salmon to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Tender Chicken Dinner
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Vegetable Stew Cat Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Rice Recipe Cat Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Ocean Fish Dinner Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken, Vegetable & Rice Stew Cat Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe
Highly digestible food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
null Hill's Science Diet Kitten with Salmon
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced salmon to help build immunity and a healthy digestive system
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken & Spinach Casserole Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Chicken Dinner Cat Food
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Savory Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
Related articles
Ear Mites in Cats & Kittens: Signs, Symptoms & Treatments
Know the warning signs that your cat might have ear mites, so you can take the proper steps to treat the infectious parasite.
Brushing & Food: Keys to Maintaining Your Cat's Oral Health
Brushing your cat's teeth is just as important as brushing your own. Learn signs or oral health problems in your cat and how to avoid them.
How to Care for an Injured Cat
Cat injuries require special attention—earn how to recognize a cat injury, details about cat wound care and recommendations for helping cats heal at home.
What are the visible signs of aging in cats?
When is a cat considered a senior? Learn how to recognize signs of aging in cats and tips to support your cat's age through better nutrition and care.
Can Cats Eat Cheese?
Get information on whether cheese is safe for your cat, if there are any kinds that are better than others, or if they should avoid this snack altogether.
What Is a Munchkin Cat?
Learn all about munchkin cats, including how to spot one, typical features & characteristics, personality, and any special care requirements.
Suggestions to Make Your Cat Drink from a Bowl
If your cat refuses to drink from her water dish, or sees it more of a toy, learn some different ways you can encourage your cat to drink from a bowl.
Caring for a Senior Cat: The Basic Essentials
Senior cats certainly have unique needs compared to when they were younger but how do you know when your cat is senior and their needs have changed?
Do Cats Have Periods?
Learn more about cat periods, when you can expect them, and what kind of impact your cat's heat cycle has on her body.
Understanding Lungworms in Cats: Symptoms, Treatment & More
Learn the key indicators that your cat could be dealing with lungworms, such as coughing fits, and how they are treated.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis: Risk Factors, Symptoms & Treatment of FIP in Cats
Learn helpful info about Feline Infectious Peritonitis, or FIP in cats, including risk factors, common symptoms, treatment options & how to prevent it.
Senior Cat Accessories & Household Changes: What Your Aging Cat Needs
Discover the senior cat accessories your older kitty might benefit from and how you can make a few minor home changes to help your cat as they age.
Steps to Successfully Introduce a New Kitten to Your Cat
If you're a current cat owner that is thinking about getting a new kitten, you should read our helpful tips for getting cat and kittens acquainted.
Kitten's Development Milestones: First Weeks & Months
Follow this timeline to learn the weekly & monthly progression of your kitten's development, including when to expect her to start walking & needing vaccines.
Preparing Your Cat for a New Baby
Learn how your cat's behavior might change if you bring a newborn baby into the home and how you can keep both baby and cat safe.
Cat Grass: Is it Safe for My Cat?
Learn what cat grass is, whether it's safe for your kitty and why it may be beneficial for certain breeds, especially ones that are prone to hairballs.
4 Ways to Help Your Cat Maintain an Ideal Weight
Follow these 4 easy steps to help your cat attain its ideal weight and maintain a healthy weight for life.
Why Do Cats Like Cardboard Boxes?
Learn the quirky reasons why cats like cardboard boxes, such as shelter and stress relief, as well as why they often prefer a box over their carrier.
Can Cats Have Pumpkin? (& Is It Healthy?)
Learn whether or not its healthy for cats to eat pumpkin, how much would be an appropriate amount, and types of pumpkin that you might want to avoid.
Causes & Signs of Dental Disease in Cats
Recognize the importance of proper dental hygiene in your cat's overall health. Learn about causes of dental disease, and questions you should ask your vet.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.