What is Torn Toenail?
Tearing a toenail is extremely painful for a cat. Your cat may cry after suffering from this injury. There is a high supply of blood to the base of the nail, so often the affected toenail will bleed for some time. The bleeding may stop for a period of time and then start again. If left as an open wound, the tear can lead to infection, which can develop into more serious health issues. Kittens are prone to tearing their toenails, as they have very high energy and extremely delicate claws. A similar response may happen if a cat's claws are trimmed too short during grooming. Veterinary attention is needed to ensure the wound heals correctly.
Without regular grooming, a cat's claws will grow long and sharp. Once a toenail is overgrown, it can easily get caught or snagged on carpet, furniture, or even tree bark. Generally, when this happens the cat will panic and jerk its paw towards its body. This reaction can cause the nail to tear, either remaining partially connected to the paw or being torn completely off. This is a common occurrence in cats and is generally not life-threatening.
Torn Toenail Average Cost
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Average Cost
$200
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Symptoms of Torn Toenail in Cats
Often, the only way that you will know something is wrong with the cat is by the presence of blood drops around the home. A torn toenail may bleed sporadically for hours. Other signs to watch for include:
- Licking paw excessively
- Crying
- Jagged appearance of claw
- Bloody paw
- Limping
- Pain when affected paw is touched
- Swollen paw
Causes of Torn Toenail in Cats
Generally, this issue exists due to poor grooming of the cat. Toenails that are not regularly trimmed will grow long and catch on various materials. Outdoor cats may be exposed to more potentially injury-causing scenarios. Possible causes are listed below.
- Vigorous play indoors on carpets or furniture
- Tree climbing
- Traumatic injury (such as a car accident)
Diagnosis of Torn Toenail in Cats
Take action to stop the cat from bleeding before you arrive to the veterinary clinic or animal hospital. Direct pressure should be applied to the wound for five minutes straight. Your vet may have additional recommendations to aid in clotting. Bandage the paw and bring the cat to a veterinarian.
Once at the clinic or hospital, the veterinarian will complete a physical examination of your cat. If the cat has sustained serious injuries from extreme trauma, all life-threatening injuries will be identified and treated first. The vet will determine whether the torn toenail is showing any signs of infection or inflammation. Swelling, pus, or seeping blood are all signs that a bacterial infection is present. If this is the case, any exudate will be collected and sent to a lab for bacteria identification.
Treatment of Torn Toenail in Cats
While some veterinarians may advise you to treat and monitor the injury at home, this may not be advisable due to the difficulty of properly removing the affected toenail. A cat experiencing pain will likely bite if it’s injured paw is handled.
Toenail Removal
A proper removal of the affected toenail will significantly lessen the chance of infection. Generally, the toenail only needs to be removed from where the tear occurred. The cat may need mild sedation for the veterinarian to properly perform the procedure. Professional nail trimmers work the best for toenail removal, and the wound must be washed afterwards.
Bandaging
The paw may need to be bandaged until the bleeding stops and the wound starts to heal. The compression can aid the clotting process.
Antibiotics
If a bacterial infection has been identified, or often for the prevention of such an infection, an antibiotic prescription will be given. This prescription may be from one to four weeks in length.
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Recovery of Torn Toenail in Cats
The best way to promote healing is by keeping the wound clean. This may involve changing bandages daily and monitoring the injury for signs of infection, such as swelling or redness. After the bandage is removed, the paw should be regularly washed until healing is complete. Administer all antibiotics as prescribed. Prevent your cat from licking or biting at its paw during this time. An Elizabethan collar may be needed to ensure the cat leaves the wound alone.
The prognosis for recovery is excellent, especially of no infection develops. A new toenail will grow back within several months. It is best to watch the regrowth to verify that the claw is not ingrown or coming in sideways. This can lead to more pain and the development of a bacterial infection. Trim your cat's nails approximately once a month to prevent a torn toenail from happening. Clip only the tips of the nails to prevent hurting the cat. Providing a scratching post to your cat can also greatly help to keep its nails from overgrowing.
Torn Toenail Average Cost
From 249 quotes ranging from $100 - $300
Average Cost
$200
Top
Torn Toenail Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
russian blue
One Year
57 found this helpful
57 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Infected toe nail?? It looks pretty bad but she's still walking just fine & she lets me touch it.
Dec. 6, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
57 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. From your picture, that does look possibly infected, I agree. If she seems comfortable, is walking normally and isn't painful, you can try cleaning the area gently twice a day with an anti-bacterial wash like Hibiclens. If it isn't improving over a day or two, or is getting worse or more painful, then having her seen by your veterinarian would be a good idea.
Dec. 7, 2020
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Idk
Twelve Months
12 found this helpful
12 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Bad Breath And Overgrown Tow Nails That Look Like It’S About To Fall Off
What can I do for the over grown tow nail that’s cracked and about to fall off very soon there are also not any vets that close to where I live.
Sept. 28, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
12 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
If you do not have a veterinarian in your area, the best thing to do is to leave that nail alone. I cannot see the nail that you are talking about in your pictures, but if it is falling off, as some point the nail bed should grow back with a normal nail.
Oct. 7, 2020
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Domestic short hair
Seven Years
23 found this helpful
23 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Biting Nail
Cat is biting at nail. Seems to be splintered shell. Looks to be blood at base. Do I trim down not to far oh totally and wrap?
Sept. 27, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
23 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. .
Cats dont tolerate bandages very well, and you can do a lot of damage if the wrap is too tight. It would probably be best to let him chew at the nail, as they tend to remove the damage parts, and monitor the rest of it to see if the bleeding resolves. If it is not getting better, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and help get treatment if it is appropriate.
Oct. 13, 2020
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American Shorthair
Four Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Scratching
My cat won't stop biting and chewing her paws. I can't get rid of fleas, either.
Sept. 27, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
There are many good flea products available, and prescription products tend to work better then OTC products. Since I cannot see your pet, it would be best to have them seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get treatment for your pet.
Oct. 13, 2020
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Domestic shorthair cat
Two Years
27 found this helpful
27 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Torn Claw
I noticed one of my cat's nails was a little bloody this morning. It looks like the nail is still attached, and it doesn't seem like she's limping badly, but I am pretty worried because I've never had this happen before. She still wants to play and such, but she does seem to be licking it more and doesn't want me to touch it.
Sept. 27, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
27 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
She may take care of this problem on her own, given a little time, but if you notice that she continues to be bothered by the nail, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get treatment for them.
Oct. 14, 2020
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short hair
Parrot
7 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Aggression
Limping
Infection Smell
Hiding Away
Missing Toe Nail
Hi, today I noticed something was up with my cat. Usually she hangs out with us all day and she always cuddles me at night time. But these past 2 days I’ve noticed her hiding under the bed and in the closet, aswell as avoiding me and not sleeping with me. Today I noticed An infectious smell from her back right paw. Upon closer inspection I can See a hole where her nail use to be, it appears to be just a white nub. I’m assuming that’s her bone(knuckle)? She doesn’t let me look very long or close. She’s also been very aggressive towards anyone approaching her. It hurts my heart to see her this way. I will Be taking her to the vet tomorrow to make sure the infection isn’t out of control. I’m not sure on how severe this is but it worries me. Wondering if I should try to clean it and bandage it up before taking her to the vet. Any feedback will be appreciated.
Domestic shorthair
Fluffy
3 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Blood
Smell
No Limping
I think my cat got his nail torn off. There is only the flesh from under the nail and a little blood. There is also a mild smell coming from the nail. Should I take him to a vet or try to treat it at home given the pandemic?
Torn Toenail Average Cost
From 249 quotes ranging from $100 - $300
Average Cost
$200
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