When the cat's claw grows beyond the blood supply (quick), the outer sheath, or claw husk, peels off to expose a newer, sharper nail for self-defense, climbing and hunting (even that favorite blue mouse!). Claws from each toe fall out every two to three months.
Cats Shed Their Claw Sheaths
Cat claws are made out of keratin, and as they grow, the material starts to die off. Eventually, they'll shed their claw sheaths entirely, revealing a new and healthy nail underneath.
If the nail has completely come off, then it does make things slightly easier. In most instances, the nail will grow back but it will take a few months so you'll need to be attentive to ensure your cat isn't lame, that the area remains clean and without infection.
Shedding The Old Nail
When your cat's nail grows past the blood supply, the surrounding layer begins to crack to make room for the new nail. Each claw's nail splits and falls every two to three months on average. The old layer either falls off on its own or is most likely removed by your cat's scratching.
If not trimmed or filed down, these nails can keep growing to a point where they are uncomfortable for the cat or may even curl back into their toe or paw pad. In some cases, long nails may get torn out and cause bleeding or other problems for the cat.
Trimming a cat's claws every two to three weeks is an important part of maintaining your pet's health. Not only does a quick trim protect you, your pet and your family, it can also save your sofa, curtains and other furniture.
They also scratch to trim their nails. Outdoor cats probably use some tree around. However, your cat is an indoor cat, a scratching post may come in handy. And if you do not have a scratching post … well, then you will find it difficult to stop your cat scratching the sofa - regardless of your opinion about that.
When talking about cat nail fungus, it refers to an infection that causes inflammation of the tissue around the nail. It is also called onychomycosis. The responsible fungus is often Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Cats will show abnormally shaped, swollen and yellowish nails.
It's where nerves and blood vessels are found. Never cut to the quick, or your cat may bleed and become uncomfortable. If you've ever broken a nail, you know why cats don't like it. Instead, only trim the white part of the claw.
All cats, even indoor cats, need their claws for balance, mobility, protection, grooming, and gripping prey and objects.
According to Dr. Smith, when this happens, the nail has grown beyond the blood supply, so the outside sheath is discarded to make room for a newer, sharper version. He estimates that this happens to each claw about every two to three months in the average housecat.
Although your pets may not seem to enjoy nail clipping, it benefits their health in several ways. Many creatures need to have their claws trimmed. They include cats, dogs, rabbits, birds and even guinea pigs.
Why is declawing bad? Declawing can cause paw pain, back pain, infection, tissue necrosis (tissue death) and lameness. Removing claws changes the way a cat's foot meets the ground and can cause pain like wearing an uncomfortable pair of shoes. Improperly removed claws can regrow, causing nerve damage and bone spurs.
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.
If the nail is still attached, you will need to book an appointment to have it assessed. If the nail is not attached, then it can be monitored for any infection. If an acquired smell or discharge presents, we recommend scheduling an appointment with your Veterinarian.
That brown gunk on my cat's claws is a build up of oil and skin cells from the cat. I wouldn't doubt that there is some litter box dust in there, but it is not poop or fecal matter. The color seems to depend on the color of the cat.
The brown gunk is not an infection but just normal dirt and skin oils that can accumulate in and around the nail sheath.
For the most part, cats require nail cutting about every 2-3 weeks. Mature cats usually need more frequent nail clippings than kittens. Make sure you provide a scratching post to support your cat's instinctive urge to claw and to keep those nails trimmed between clipping sessions.
Clip the tip.
With the proper clippers, clip the very tip of the claw. Don't cut them too short as you could hurt your cat. Avoid the quick at the base of the claw by the toes – this is the bit that will look pink. If you cut this, it will be very painful for your cat and will make them bleed.
Cats need to scratch to keep their claws sharp, exercise and stretch their muscles and mark their territory. If you fail to provide an acceptable area to scratch then your carpets, furniture and wallpaper may get damaged. Once a cat finds an attractive area to scratch they will always return to it!
If your cat absolutely hates getting their nails trimmed, there's still hope. Try going very slowly and making the process extra rewarding with plenty of treats or a special catnip toy that only comes out after nail clipping. If your cat gets upset during the process, stay calm and take a break.
Many veterinarians do recommend cat claw caps as a humane and effective way to prevent cats from scratching and causing damage to furniture and other surfaces.
Long nails can cause injury to your cat's paw or leg because once their long nail hits the ground it adds unnecessary pressure to the foot or leg area. Additionally, if left unkempt, long nails can be dangerous for your cat when they want to retract their claws.
The quick contains the nerves and blood vessels of the nail. If the quick is clipped, it causes a lot of pain and bleeding. Injury is most likely the reason your cat hates getting their nails trimmed; once they feel that pain, they know what to avoid. A well-trained cat will not mind getting its nails trimmed.