What are Claw and Nail Disorders?
Of the different types of nail disorders, two are the most common. Paronychia is an infection of the nail bed that inflames that tissue around the nail and onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail. Each of these issues can have serious and painful effects on the cat.
Nail disorders in cats come in a variety of forms and from several different causes. These disorders are typically caused by some form of infection in or around the nail bed. Many cats will take notice of their nail disorder and begin fussing with their claws incessantly.
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Symptoms of Claw and Nail Disorders in Cats
Nail disorders are often uncomfortable for cats, which leads them to fuss with their paws compulsively. If a cat displays any of the following symptoms, they may be suffering from a nail disorder:
- Compulsive licking and biting at the claws
- Difficulty walking
- Pain in the paws
- Swelling and inflammation of skin around the nails
- Nail plate deformities
- Abnormal nail color
Causes of Claw and Nail Disorders in Cats
Most claw disorders in cats are caused by some sort of infection, but that is not the case for all cats. Nail disorders can be caused by any of the following:
- Bacterial or fungal infections
- Cancerous tumors
- Trauma to the nail
- Immune system illnesses
- Brittle nails
- High levels of growth hormone
- Birth disorders
- Cutting the nails too close to the nail bed and thus leaving them open to infection
- Neoplasia
Diagnosis of Claw and Nail Disorders in Cats
While claw disorders may seem relatively minor, they can be caused by serious infections or even major diseases like cancer. For this reason, it is vital that a cat be taken into a trusted veterinarian who can diagnose the underlying cause of the nail disorder.
The veterinarian will ask for a medical history of the cat to determine if the issue is congenital, or caused at birth. It is also important to tell the veterinarian if the cat's nails have recently been trimmed, as this is a common cause of infection when not done properly.
After the veterinarian has a complete medical history, they will begin a physical examination. They will examine the individual nails to determine how many nails have been affected. If more than one nail is causing trouble, it could mean that the cat has a serious medical condition.
If further tests are needed, a veterinarian may take a skin scraping from the skin near the cat's nail and send the sample to be analyzed at the lab. This will determine what is causing the nail disorder and, depending upon the results, a further bacterial or fungal culture may need to be taken to know exactly what the issue is.
Treatment of Claw and Nail Disorders in Cats
Treatment of the nail disorder will vary largely based upon the cause of the disorder. While most solutions are easy and non-invasive, more serious treatments may be required in special cases.
Bacterial or Fungal Infections
Infections can be treated with either oral medications, or topical ointments that are applied directly to the nail. These treatments often last for a period of 2-4 weeks, after which time the cat should return to normal.
Skin Inflammation
If the skin under or around the nail has become inflamed, the cat might require surgical intervention. This will allow the tissue to drain and return to normal. The surgery is relatively minor with little to no risk, and the cat should be back to normal within 2 weeks after surgery, depending on how quickly their nail regrows.
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Recovery of Claw and Nail Disorders in Cats
In most cases, oral or topical treatments and/or minor surgery will be enough to clear up any issues that the cat is facing. It is important to monitor the nail health of the cat, however, as recurring issues may be indicative of a more serious problem.
If the nail disorder returns in any form, it is vital that the cat sees a veterinarian as soon as possible. Another round of treatment may be called for, or the issue could be a symptom of cancer. Either way, these are not things that a pet owner is prepared to treat alone.
It is also important that the owner carefully examine how they cut the cat's nails. By cutting too close, they can nick the skin and leave small cuts. This makes it easy for a cat to become infected when doing everyday tasks like exploring and using the litter box.
Claw and nail disorders in cats can be expensive to treat. If you suspect your cat is at risk of developing claw and nail disorders, start searching for pet insurance today. Brought to you by Pet Insurer, Wag! Wellness lets pet parents compare insurance plans from leading companies like PetPlan and Embrace. Find the “pawfect” plan for your pet in just a few clicks!
Claw and Nail Disorders Average Cost
From 375 quotes ranging from $200 - $1,000
Average Cost
$400
Top
Claw and Nail Disorders Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Rescue
Four Years
8 found this helpful
8 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Noisy Breathing
May hous are from the same litter of feral rescues. Momma cat left them below a tree when they were three weeks. I've had them ever since, five years in August. They both snore and sigh. Both will huff every now and then. One breathes with his mouth open occasionally, and sometimes wheezes. This has been persistent their whole lives but they won't cooperate with vets to be heard. Should I be worried? One is 25lbs and we are working at reducing his weight.
Feb. 7, 2021
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
8 Recommendations
Wheezing and open mouth breathing are both a concern and could indicate underlying disease such as heart disease.
We should ensure their gums are pink and when we press them they return from white to pink in less than 2 seconds the cats should also have a breathing rate of 30 or less when resting or sleeping. Ideally, a vet would listen to their heart and lungs and we may consider a chest xray or heart scan.
Feb. 7, 2021
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tabby
7 months
22 found this helpful
22 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
My 7 month cat has some flesh color "crusting" around nail beds. I only noticed after cutting his nails. its easily removable. He's not in pain, isn't overly licking or cleaning them. Is this a cause of concern? What could it be?
Dec. 15, 2020
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
22 Recommendations
This can simply be dirt or keratin. I wouldn't be concerned unless there were additional signs such as swelling, redness or irritation.
Dec. 15, 2020
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domestic shorthair
Ten Years
18 found this helpful
18 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Dark Rear Nails
Was wondering if this is cause for concern. Noticed during bath today. He doesn't seem bothered by them. Photo attached.
Thanks for input.
Nov. 29, 2020
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
18 Recommendations
Hello there,
Assuming your cat is walking as normal and not licking or chewing at the claws, I would not be concerned. These look normal to me.
Nov. 29, 2020
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cat
Ten Years
7 found this helpful
7 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Dark Nails
Hi.
I was wondering if this darkness under my male cats nails is cause of concern. He doesn't seem bothered by them. Just noticed while bathing. Seems to be back only and several of the nails.
Thanks for any input.
RC
Nov. 29, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
7 Recommendations
Hello, this looks normal. Cats can get dirt caught under their nails that can cause their nails to look like this. If she will let you you can gently wash her paws.
Nov. 29, 2020
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Domestic Shorthair Cat
Eighteen Months
6 found this helpful
6 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Red Claw- Cause For Concern?
I have an 18 month old kitten named Rudy, who I noticed an hour or so ago has one red claw on his front right paw. I was able to check his other paws for any redness, but I didn’t notice any. He’s very affectionate and active so I was not able to get a picture, but his claw seems to be blood stained, with a few small strands of fur stuck to it. It’s very strange because the nail bed itself and the paw pad underneath don’t seem irritated and he doesn’t look to be in any pain when walking, kneading or when I handle the paw and push his claw out. I didn’t notice him licking at it at all either.
Sept. 28, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
6 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
It is difficult to say what might be going on without seeing him, but it is possible that Rudy did injure that claw. If he seems comfortable and is not licking at it or limping, you may be fine to monitor the nail. If it was injured, it should grow out slowly over the next few weeks and should become normal again. If it does not, it would be best to have him seen by a veterinarian who can look at the nail.
Oct. 7, 2020
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tabby
Kirby
13 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Limping
Brittle
I noticed that my cat was limping and kind of walking on his (what we would call) forearm of his back paws. I just looked at his nails and two appear to be very brittle and have yellow stuff between the skin and nail, he also had some yellow stuff underneath his nail
Egyptian Mau
Ozzy
1 Year
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Excessive Licking And Biting -
My cat, just over one ear old, has dry pads and he has been biting and licking his back paws, especially the left one, and i have seen that his nails in that foot are clipped from all the biting. Also, it seems that his nails still have residue from the last time they were peeling.
Claw and Nail Disorders Average Cost
From 375 quotes ranging from $200 - $1,000
Average Cost
$400
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