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
Torti
Izzy
7 Years
0 found this helpful
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Black Nail, Crusty Nail Bed
Hello,
My Kitty is an indoor/outdoor cat. Several weeks ago I noticed the paw bed on one of her back paws was dry, cracked/scaley, and appeared to be bothersome for her when I tried to examine it. I kept an eye on her for a week or so to see if it would clear up, and it (seemingly) has. However, I just noticed one of her nails in her front right paw, is much darker than the rest. Black pretty much. It's a little crusty around the bed but the entire nail itself is black from the inside. That doesn't seem like something to clear up on its own.... it doesn't seem to hurt her any. She doesn't walk with a limp, doesn't lick her paws or nails excessively, but I'm a paranoid mama and want to have her looked at anyways....my question is how quickly should I be scheduling a vet visit. Obviously the sooner the better, but does this sound like something that could quickly turn ugly for her if not addressed immediately?
Sept. 1, 2018
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Tuxedo
Zelda
3 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Pain
My cats nails on one of her back paws look as if they have dried blood near the inside of the foot on the nail around the cuticle area, only on one paw. Looks like it hurts and I really want to help her.
Aug. 10, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Zelda may have had a trauma or injury to that nail, or she might have a problem with the actual nail that is causing that. Since I can't see her, and it seems to be hurting her, it would be best to have her seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine her and see what might be going on, and how to help her.
Aug. 10, 2018
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domestic short hair
Fergus
3 Years
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0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Brittle Nails
Bleeding Nails
My 3 year old cat went to the groomers today. While he was there they gave him a nail trim, which we almost never do since it is very stressful for him. When they trimmed his claws, all of the claws on his front paws bled. I examined them and the groomer did not cut the quick on any of them. They all appear very brittle, like they did not cut cleanly when trimmed. My cat has not been excessively licking his paws or having trouble walking recently, which I know can be a sign of infection. He is FIV+ and I’m worried this could be a symptom of that. Do you know what could cause this?
Aug. 4, 2018
0 Recommendations
It is difficult to say what the specific cause may be, bacterial onyxis may occur in immunosuppressed cats where the claw becomes brittle due to an infection; however you should visit your Veterinarian to examine Fergus and the claws to be on the safe side. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 4, 2018
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Medium hair
Domino
8 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Swelling
Pain
Fungus
My cats claws all have some type of fungal infrctionariund then. I adopted him recently and the shelter seemed to have missed it which I found very strange, they gave him to me and said he was all good to go. Anyway it took him back for him to get examined by the shelter vet because it was clear that was a prexisting condition. The vet gave him antibiotics and they didn’t do shit. Anyway my poor baby is still suffering and the growths around his nails are getting worse. I’m just terrified of the vet costs, ESPECIALLY since I got him with this condition and no one seemed to inform me. I just don’t know what’s going on.
June 9, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Without seeing Domino, I can't see what is going on with him, but we do often treat for common problems, which is most likely what the veterinarian at the animal shelter was doing. Since his problem is not resolving, the best thing to do would be to have him seen again by the animal shelter if this was a problem that he came to you with. They'll be able to recommend a plan, and can use the fact that he did not respond to antibiotics as a clue.
June 9, 2018
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tabby
Bella
6 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Licking
Chewing
Brown
Nail Bed
Hello,
My cat Bella is 6 years old and she keeps chewing and licking her back paws, one in particular is bugging her. I took a look and I see blackish brown crusty/flakey stuff right at her nail bed. She walks fine and doesn’t meow in pain, she gets irritated when I touch her back paws though... what could this be on her nailbed? There’s no bleeding or puss.
May 25, 2018
0 Recommendations
A crusty brown substance around the nail bed may be dried discharge from a fungal infection, without having a good look at it I couldn’t say for certain; you should keep the paw clean and free from debris by bathing with a dilute antiseptic and possibly placing a cone on Bella to prevent further licking. If there is no improvement over the weekend you should visit your Veterinarian for a check. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
May 26, 2018
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Maine Coon
Theo
2 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Dried Blood Around Claw, Odor
My 2 year old Maine coon Theo has polydactyl on both front paws. One paw has a claw in the middle of the foot that seems like it’s only partially formed. Never had an issue with it before, but while trimming his nails this morning I noted some dried blood around this one malformed claw and it has a nasty smell to it. He does not appear to be in any pain and allowed me to trim and wash the area with issue. Any further action I should take?
Mixed Russian Blue
Cassie
10 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Nail Licking
The sheaths around the nails on one of my cat's paws have turned yellow with a small amount of yellow crust. How do I treat it? She dosen't limp and her appetite is as tremendous as always. She was a rescue and is spayed and up to date on all vaccinations. She has chronic clear secretions from her right eye that I was told was is Feline Herpes. Along with regular food I give her a Lysine supplement daily.
Claw and Nail Disorders Average Cost
From 375 quotes ranging from $200 - $1,000
Average Cost
$400
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Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
