Ingrown nails in cats are an issue seen in pet felines. The nail grows into the paw pad, causing discomfort and possible infection to the cat’s paw area.
In contrast to cats, who naturally wear down their claws through activities such as hunting and climbing trees, pets might have difficulties with overgrown nails that could turn ingrown.
Taking care of your cat’s grooming needs and keeping their nails trimmed are ways to prevent the pain of ingrown nails.
In this article, you will be guided to learn if your cat has ingrown nails, what causes this condition, and how to spot the signs early to keep your feline friends’ paws happy and healthy. Let’s dive in.
What is an Ingrown Cat Nail?
An ingrown cat nail, also known as onychocryptosis, occurs when a cat’s nail grows into the paw pad, causing discomfort and pain.
As you might know, Cat claws are made of keratin.
Keratin is a protein that makes up your skin, hair, and nails.
Cat ingrown nails usually happen with domesticated cats. Wild cats don’t suffer from this case due to natural nail filing from climbing trees.
Ingrown nails can be identified by a curved nail, chewing or licking of the foot, and sensitivity or inflammation of the paw pad.
A cat’s ingrown toenail can be extremely painful and cause lameness, swelling, or infection, posing significant health risks.
Always consider regular nail trims to keep your cat away from any painful experience or needed antibiotics.
Understanding Cat Nail Anatomy
Understanding the anatomy of your cat’s nails will help you better understand how to prevent and treat ingrown nails.
As we’ve mentioned, the cat’s nail is made up of keratin. That’s the same protein that also makes up human hair and nails.
Like in humans, the tough exterior protects the more sensitive inner part of the nail, known as the quick.
The quick is rich in nerves and blood vessels, making it a sensitive area that can be painful if injured.
Cats have retractable claws.
This clever feature allows them to retract their nails into their paw pads when they’re not needed for hunting or climbing trees.
While it’s a feature to protect their nails from damage and maintain sharpness, for hunting and self-defense purposes, it also means their nails can grow longer and curl over time.
These claws are constantly growing, and they need to be regularly trimmed. Indeed, if you plan to do that yourself, you must learn exactly how.
Understanding how your cat’s claws are designed and work can help you see why it’s essential to groom their nails and prevent ingrown claws before they become an issue.
Signs and Symptoms of Ingrown Nails
The indications that your cat may have a claw might not be very obvious at the beginning.
The signs could involve showing a preference for one leg or limping to avoid putting weight on the injured leg.
More common signs of a cat claw include discomfort. Many cats used to come to their owners and show them that they need help.
To figure it out, check your pet’s nails occasionally.
If there is pain and swelling in the paw area, redness and discharge in your cat’s paw region, this is surely a sign.
Signs of nail overgrowth can include bleeding and limping as well.
Similarly, ingrown nails can decrease the activity level of a cat, so this is also another sign.
Causes and Risk Factors
House cats are more prone to getting ingrown nails.
The risk will be higher if they don’t have scratching posts or toys to help them trim their nails regularly.
Pets that belong to certain breeds tend to be more susceptible to nail issues.
The same applies to senior cats or older cats (age is also a factor).
Treatment Options for Ingrown Cat Nails
Treating ingrown nails in cats is preferable to be done by the vet.
But let’s be clear: you can’t do that safely.
Keep in mind: it’s advisable to have a vet address it to avoid the risk of infection and consider the paw’s sensitivity.
The vet will trim excess fur and nails while also checking and addressing the ingrown claw of the cat.
Another common condition could be that he/she might have to extract the nail and treat the injury. It all depends on the cat’s nails situation itself.
Based on that, he/she could recommend antibiotics to prevent infection. The pet should take them until the injury is completely healed.
But it is better to avoid the problem rather than find the solution, right?
Obviously, you can prevent a nail growing in a bad way by ensuring regular and comfortable trimming.
In addition to that, keep an eye on their paw health for any signs of ingrown claws.
Routine Veterinary Check-ups
When it comes to keeping problems at bay, regular veterinary check-ups are your best ally! They’re essential for ensuring your pet stays happy and healthy. Don’t wait for issues to arise; be proactive and schedule those check-ups to catch any potential concerns early on!
In a check-up, your vet will look at your cat’s nails for any nail overgrowth or any other nail problems.
They’ll also check for signs of infection, like redness, swelling, or discharge, which could mean an ingrown nail has led to problems already.
For most cats, vets will suggest keeping the nails trimmed regularly. Regular trimming helps prevent the pet’s nails from curling into the paw pad.
They can also offer advice on how to efficiently trim your cat’s nails at home to prevent any discomfort and minimize the chance of accidents.
After all, regular vet visits are not only about nail care. They are also crucial for spotting health issues like arthritis or diabetes that could be linked to ingrown nails and skin problems. The vet can also identify any other symptoms you might not know about.
When your vet catches these problems, you will be able to get the treatment and stop things from getting worse.
To keep your cat’s paws healthy and avoid ingrown nails, understand your cat’s nail structure. Schedule regular vet visits for check-ups. Vet appointments maintain nail health and boost overall well-being.
How to Prevent Ingrown Nails
Taking care (in advance) of your cat’s nails is important.
Learn how to groom and trim them every 4 to 8 weeks to avoid issues like overgrowth and ingrown nails. Here are a few steps to do:
Regularly check the paws and only trim them if you know how.
Trimming any fur between the toes can also help avoid ingrown nails.
Offer your cat the best scratching post to help keep claws worn down.
Take them for walks on surfaces to naturally wear them down.
Exercising your cat regularly on surfaces can naturally help them wear down their nails.
Don’t remove/declaw the cat’s claws. This is considered inhumane.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ingrown Cat Nails
Here are the most-asked questions by cat owners about dealing with a cat ingrown nail.
1. What is the best way to treat an ingrown nail on a cat?
The short answer is: consult a veterinarian.
They possess the skills to carefully trim the grown nail and address any injuries or infections.
2. How frequently do cats experience ingrown nails?
Domestic cats often experience ingrown nails when they lack access to surfaces or scratching posts that help naturally trim their nails.
3. How much does it cost to remove an ingrown nail on a cat?
The price to remove an ingrown nail can fluctuate depending on how serious the issue is. The overall overgrown nail conditions will also determine, for example, if pain medication is needed.
Typically, the cost falls within the range of $50 to $150 and covers both the consultation, with the vet and the necessary treatment.
But, the price could increase or decrease depending on whether you are by an emergency vet, your regular vet, or a local groomer.
4. How can I treat my cat’s ingrown nail at home?
To emphasize, it is not recommended to make any attempt to trim the ingrown nail on your own.
However, after consulting with a vet, you can use a gentle antiseptic to clean the area and reduce the pain.
5. How can I prevent ingrown nails in my cat?
Keeping your cat’s nails trimmed regularly and offering scratching posts can help avoid ingrown nails in your feline friend.
Additionally, make sure your cat gets regular exercise by using abrasive surfaces. This can also contribute to nail health.
Don’t forget to schedule vet appointments to keep an eye on your cat’s overall nail well-being.
6. What do an ingrown cat claw look like on a cat?
Ingrown nails are commonly seen as nails that curve and grow into the paw pads.
As a result, swelling and redness will happen in the cat’s claws and occasionally lead to discharge or bleeding.
7. Can senior cats get ingrown nails more easily?
Indeed! Elderly cats tend to experience ingrown nails.
To clarify, it happens because of their reduced levels of activity and alterations in how their nails grow over time.
8. How can I properly trim my cat’s claws at home without causing harm to them?
To trim your pet’s nails properly, use a pair of nail clippers designed for pets.
Gently push on the paw pad to reveal the claw and cut the tip without cutting into the quick (the pink area inside the nail).
If you’re uncertain about how to do it, seek advice from your vet or a professional groomer.
9. What should I do if my cat doesn’t like trimming their nails?
Help your cat get used to having its paws touched slowly over time.
Use reinforcement like treats and kind words to make it a pleasant experience.
If they don’t seem to be cooperating, seek advice from a vet or a professional groomer.
10. Does cat insurance cover treatment for ingrown nails in cats?
Mostly yes. Pet insurance plans often include treatments for ingrown nails.
However, coverage terms may differ among providers so its important to check your policy or speak with your insurer to grasp the details.
11. What factors should I consider when selecting the insurance for my feline companion?
When choosing health insurance for your cat, think about things like coverage options, exclusions, reimbursement rates, the deductible you’ll have to pay, and the company’s reputation.
It can also be helpful to look at plans to find one that matches up with your cat’s health requirements as well as what you can afford.
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