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
Shorthair
Peanut
2 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Discomfort
Sensitive
Discolored
Possibly Infected
My cat has a 'thumb' nail that is black/purple around the base, right where the sheath peaks out. Is it infected? Should I take her to the vet? I trimmed every nail but that one, as she seems to pull away and get very uncomfortable when I touch or get near it.
May 24, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Since Peanut doesn't seem to like you to touch the nail and it is discolored, it would be a good idea to have it examined by a veterinarian to see if the nail is infected, or has a fungal disease, or another cause.
May 24, 2018
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Bombay
Tobias
10 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Inflamation
I was clipping my cats nails and his right paw was fine. However, when I went and clipped his nails on his left paw, the part around the thumb nail was inflamed and dramatically different from the right side. What do I do?
May 9, 2018
0 Recommendations
There are various causes for nail or nail bed inflammation which may include infections, trauma among other causes; you should keep an eye on Tobias and try to give him some rest. Without examining the paw and the nail I cannot say specifically what the cause is, if there is no improvement you should visit your Veterinarian. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
May 10, 2018
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Diluted Torti
Rowdy
One Year
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Brown Claw
A few days ago, my 1 year old cat's right leg and paw were swollen for a day and then the swelling went down back to normal. I noticed one of her claws on the right paw is discolored (brown) and didn't know if this was the reason for the swelling. Should I take her to the vet or clear on it's own?
April 29, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
The claw may normally be a different color, may be due to the injury, or may be the cause of it. If she seems comfortable, is eating and drinking well and walking normally, you should be able to monitor the claw and foot and see if it changes. If she is not doing well or it becomes more discolored, it would be best to have her seen.
April 30, 2018
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mixed
Gurt
13 Years
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0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargic
Low Appetite
Drinking More Than Usual
Constipated
Swollen And Inflamed Toes
I just had my cat to the vet for the second time in a weak. She has been lethargic and reduced appetite and sometimes very grumpy and growling. Monday I noticed she was walking funny. Today the vet discovered infected toes on three of her feet. She gave her an antibiotic injection and some anti-inflammatory medicine for me to give her. I just read that treatment may include some sort of foot soak. What would that be? PS the vet assumes there is an underlying condition which we will explore after the toes have healed and she is no longer is such discomfort. I am on disability and do not have a lot of money for vet bills.
April 11, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Without seeing Gurt or knowing what condition you are dealing with, I am not sure what kind of foot soak may help her. It would be okay to call your veterinarian, as they just saw her, and ask about foot soaks and if they might be beneficial. I hope that everything resolves for her!
April 12, 2018
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tabby
Maxie
Nine Years
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0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
None
Nine year old indoor cat has one of her front claws split and then joined at the end. All other nails are fine. I do all the clipping of front nails. Should I leave alone and let it grow out or try clipping it?
March 27, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
If the nail isn't bothering Maxie, and there aren't any signs of infection or irritation, you may want to let it grow out a little before trimming it. If it is bothering her, or appears to be infected, she should be seen by her veterinarian.
March 28, 2018
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Russian
Snow white
14 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Excessive Claw Growth
One of my cat's front paws has a tip on the digital pad abnormally longer than the rest (about 2 cm in length compared to 0.2 cm of the other). There was an open wound at that area caused by excessive claw growth. I am not sure if it should be tripped or not. Please lend me some advice, thank you.
Claw and Nail Disorders Average Cost
From 375 quotes ranging from $200 - $1,000
Average Cost
$400
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