My Cat’s Nail Split and Is Bleeding (How to Treat It at Home)

A few days ago, my friend Sophia Jindan was talking about her cat’s nail split accident. By nature, her feline is very playful. One day, while she was playing outside, her nail accidentally split and was bleeding profusely. Sophia became desperate and searched many online forums about “my cat’s nail split and is bleeding; how to treat it at home,” but nowhere did she find a detailed guide. Due to this, she later had to be taken to the pet hospital for treatment. 

So I shared a detailed guide on this topic on my blog so anyone can get detailed awareness about cat nail splits and bleeding and easily treat it at home if it is a small issue.

What Causes a Cat’s Nail to Split and Bleed? (Reasons)

There are several reasons behind cat nail splits and bleeding issues. Here we have shared some of the most common causes:

1. Overgrown Nails: Mostly, I saw that when the claws of a cat get too long, they are more likely to become caught on things and split, which can lead to bleeding.
2. Accidental Injury: Although cats are nimble creatures, they can still hurt their nails while playing, climbing, or scratching.
3. Underlying Health Conditions: Fungal infections and autoimmune diseases can weaken the cat’s nails and increase their ability to split and bleed.

Read Also: Can You Give a Cat Benadryl

My Cat’s Nail Split and Is Bleeding (How to Provide First Aid at Home)

If you notice that your cat’s nail has split and is bleeding, you must take action quickly to prevent further discomfort and the potential for infection. You can provide first aid at home by following these steps: 

Step 1: Stay Calm

You may know that cats are able to pick up on their owner’s anxiety, which could lead to them becoming even more flustered than they already are. That’s why it is essential that you keep calm and not freak out.

Step 2: Restrain Your Cat

You should gently hold your cat so she does not further injure or scratch you. 

Step 3: Look at the Nail

Look at the cat nail closely to determine how bad the damage is. If there is only a little bleeding, you can continue with the next steps.

Step 4: Clean the Nail

Applying slight pressure to the nail with a clean cloth will stop the bleeding. Clean the nail with a nearby area of mild antiseptic solution or warm water.

Step 5: Apply Styptic Powder

If the bleeding doesn’t stop, you can apply styptic powder to the affected area. It helps to clot the blood. We recommend that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 6: Keep the Area Clean

When the bleeding stops, be sure to clean the nail and its nearby area to avoid infection. You can use a pet-safe antibacterial cream and cover the nail with a small bandage or protective sleeve to prevent further damage.

When to Seek Veterinary Care

Though we see that most cases of split and bleeding cat nails are easily treated at home, this is not always the case. There are times when veterinary care is required. It’s important to monitor your cat’s condition, and if you see any bad conditions as described below, I highly recommend you consult a veterinarian:

1. After applying first aid measures, the bleeding doesn’t stop.
2. It seems that the nail has been badly broken or damaged.
3. Your cat shows signs of pain or discomfort, such as limping, a reluctance to bear weight on the affected paw, or excessive grooming of the injured nail.
4. If the area surrounding the nail turns red, swells up, or begins oozing pus, this is a sign of an infection.

Always remember that only a qualified veterinarian can determine the seriousness of an injury and recommend the proper treatment.

Read More: Can I Paint My Cat’s Nails?

FAQs: About the Cat’s Nail Split and Is Bleeding 

Can I use human first aid supplies on my cat’s split and bleeding nail?

It is highly recommended that you use first aid supplies designed specifically for cats, such as styptic powder created especially for animals. Do not use any human aid supplements because they may contain ingredients that could harm cats. 

How long does it take for a split cat’s nail to heal?

How long it takes to recover from an injury depends on many factors. The recovery process for minor splits can take as little as a week or two, but it can take several weeks for more serious cases.

Should I trim my cat’s nails after the split has healed?

If you regularly trim your cat’s nails, you can help prevent splits from occurring in the future. However, it’s best to consult a professional groomer for guidance on proper nail-trimming techniques. 

Can I use a nail file to smooth out a split nail?

We generally do not recommend using a nail file on a split nail, as this could cause additional damage or discomfort to your cat. If you decide to use a nail file on a split nail, I recommend you follow the veterinarian’s instructions carefully.

How can I prevent my cat’s nails from splitting in the future?

We always recommend that maintaining your cat’s nails on a regular basis, including trimming them and providing suitable scratching surfaces, can help reduce the risk of your nails splitting. Additionally, you can also maintain a well-balanced cat diet and keep an eye on your cat’s overall health, both of which are important factors that can help maintain healthy cat nails. 

Is there a way to make the nail-splitting process less painful for my cat?

During first aid, a calm and gentle approach and veterinary care can help lessen your cat’s discomfort, as nail splits can be uncomfortable.

Conclusion

It is important for you to be aware of the common health problems that could harm your cat. If you see that your cat’s nail has split and is bleeding, giving them some basic first aid will help them feel better. However, keep a close eye on the situation, and if you see any bad situations, seek the advice of a veterinarian.