An ingrown claw can be painful and serious for cats, requiring prompt attention. These claws occur when the sharp tip of the claw grows into the surrounding skin and tissue, causing inflammation, infection, and even lameness.
In this blog post, we will discuss the causes, signs, and symptoms of ingrown claws in cats and cat ingrown claw removal treatment options and prevention measures that can help keep your feline friend’s claws healthy and pain-free. We will also share some tips on how to properly trim your cat’s nails and provide appropriate scratching surfaces.
Causes of Ingrown Claws in Cats
Ingrown claws in cats can have several causes, including:
Lack of proper nail trimming:
When a cat’s claws are not trimmed regularly, they can become too long, which can cause the sharp tip of the claw to grow into the surrounding skin and tissue.
Inherited genetic traits:
Some cats may have a genetic predisposition to ingrown claws, which can make them more susceptible to this condition.
Trauma or injury:
Cats that experience trauma or injury to their paws may develop ingrown claws. For example, this can happen when a cat’s paw is caught or crushed.
Medical conditions:
There are several medical conditions that can cause cats to develop ingrown claws. For example, cats with arthritis may have difficulty maintaining proper claw length due to decreased mobility.
It’s important to keep an eye on your cat’s claws and seek veterinary care if you think they may have an ingrown claw. An untreated ingrown claw can lead to serious complications such as infection or lameness. It is important to trim cats’ claws regularly, provide appropriate scratching surfaces, and monitor for signs of injury and trauma to prevent ingrown claws.
Symptoms of Ingrown Claws in Cats
Ingrown claws in cats can present a variety of signs and symptoms, including:
- Swelling or redness around the claw: It is possible that the area surrounding the affected claw may appear to be swollen or red, indicating inflammation or irritation.
- Pain or sensitivity when the area is touched: Ingrown claws in cats can cause pain or discomfort, especially when touching or exploiting the affected part of the paw.
- Limping or favoring one paw: When a cat has an ingrown claw, he may limp or favor one paw more than the others, as the affected paw may be too painful to bear any weight on it.
- Licking or biting at the affected paw: Cats may lick or bite at the affected paw to try to alleviate the pain and discomfort.
- Drainage or discharge from the claw area: In case of infection, drainage or discharge from the claw area could occur.
- Loss of appetite or weight loss: Cats with severe ingrown claws that cause chronic pain may not be able to eat well and may lose weight as a result.
If you think your cat may have an ingrown claw, it is necessary to seek veterinary care as soon as possible. This will prevent the potential emergence of serious complications, such as infection or lameness. A veterinarian can diagnose the condition and recommend the appropriate course of treatment.
Treatment Options for Ingrown Claws in Cats
Ingrown claws in cats can be treated in many different ways, depending on their severity. Some of the options that may be available include the following:
- At-home care: Proper nail trimming is the first defense against ingrown claws. It is necessary to trim your cat’s claws regularly, so they do not grow too long and become a threat to the surrounding skin and tissues. Claw caps or soft paw pads can also cover the claws and prevent them from growing into the skin.
- Vet visit: If the ingrown claw is severe and causing pain or infection, your veterinarian may recommend removing the affected claw or performing surgery to correct the problem. Antibiotics may be prescribed if the claw is infected.
- Follow-up care: It is important to keep the affected paw clean and dry and to keep an eye on the area to see if there are any signs of infection or recurrence. The veterinarian may recommend that you go back for follow-up appointments so that your ingrown claw heals properly and that it does not become infected.
I would like to point out that if your cat’s ingrown claw is severe and causes chronic pain, it can also lead to the cat losing weight if the pain is severe and it affects their appetite. Fortunately, with proper care and treatment, you will be able to treat and prevent ingrown claws in cats in the future.
How Do You Get Rid Of An Ingrown Cat’s Claw: Prevention of Ingrown Claws in Cats
Using the following steps, you will be able to prevent ingrown claws in cats in the future:
- Regular nail trimming: The most effective way to prevent ingrown claws on your cat’s feet is to keep the nails trimmed on a regular basis. Trimming your cat’s nails regularly can help ensure that they maintain a healthy length. This will prevent them from growing into the surrounding skin and tissue as they grow.
- Provide appropriate scratching surfaces: You can help keep your cat’s claws in proper condition by providing them with appropriate scratching surfaces, such as scratching posts or boards, which can help to prevent them from growing out of control.
- Monitoring for trauma or injury: A simple way to prevent the development of ingrown claws in your cat is to observe your cat’s paws for signs of trauma or injury that may cause ingrown claws.
- Annual check-up: Scheduling regular check-ups with your veterinarian can help you identify potential problems with your cat’s claws early on before they become more severe and worsen.
- Claw caps: Several soft claw caps are available that can be applied to cats’ nails to help prevent the formation of ingrown claws. These caps are glued to the claw tips to prevent them from growing into the skin.
- Diet and exercise: A well-rounded diet and regular exercise can help keep your cat’s overall health in check, including their claws.
These steps can help prevent ingrown claws in cats and keep your feline friend’s claws healthy and pain-free.
How Much Does It Cost To Get An Ingrown Cat Nail Removed
When it comes to removing an ingrown cat nail, the cost will vary depending on the severity of the condition. This is based on where the ingrown claw is located and the severity of the condition. In general, the cost can range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars.
- The cost of nail trimming on a regular basis may range from $20 to $50
- If the ingrown claw becomes severe, causing pain or infection, your veterinarian may recommend removing the affected claw or performing surgery to remove the affected part of the claw. In most cases, the ingrown cat nail removal cost can range from $300 to $800.
- The cat will likely feel pain or have an infection after surgery, and it will be necessary to add the cost of pain management and antibiotics to the surgery cost.
- It may be necessary to increase the cost of treatment if your cat needs to stay in an animal hospital overnight.
I want to clarify that the costs of these procedures may vary depending on the location and the veterinarian you choose. It’s also worth contacting your pet insurance company to determine if your plan covers the cost of removing an ingrown claw.
Final Verdict: Cat Ingrown Claw Removal
An ingrown claw can be extremely painful and uncomfortable for your cat. It is important to know that ingrown claws can lead to serious complications, such as infection or lameness if left untreated. I am happy to inform you that there are several steps that you can take to prevent and treat ingrown claws in cats in the future.
Regularly trimming your cat’s nails, providing appropriate scratching surfaces, monitoring for trauma or injury, and seeking veterinary care as soon as you suspect an issue can help keep your cat’s claws healthy and pain-free. Fortunately, ingrown claws in cats can be treated and prevented successfully with proper care and treatment. So, make sure that you keep your cat’s claws in check and make sure that their overall health is in proper shape.
