Cat Nail Problems

Cats use their nails daily to stretch, mark territory, climb and defend themselves. Unfortunately, a cat's nails can develop health issues if injured or neglected. Check your cat's nails and keep them trimmed weekly to prevent problems.

  1. Broken Nails

    • Cats sometimes catch their nails on carpets, fabrics or other surfaces when scratching and climbing, causing a tear. Inspect a torn cat nail and stop any bleeding by applying pressure to the end of the nail and a styptic stick or powder. Monitor for continued bleeding, swelling or other signs of infection.

    Nail Diseases

    • Cats can contract bacterial or fungal infections of the nail, sometimes caused by nail breaks, according to The Cat Health Guide. Treatment through a veterinarian will include antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs, such as predisone. Swollen or bleeding nails also can indicate a nail bed tumor or other type of cancer in cats, according to the Pet Cancer Center.

    Embedded Nails

    • Cat nails can grow around and into the foot pad, becoming embedded if not trimmed regularly, especially in older cats who do not groom their nails often, according to About Cats Online. Treat embedded nails by taking your cat to a veterinarian to have the nail removed, trimmed and treated for possible infection.