Cat Health 
Cat Safety Advice
Published Oct 21, 2024
Written by Dr. Nat Scroggie MRCVS Dr. Nat Scroggie MRCVS Nottingham, UK Nat is a keen runner and has a passion for wellbeing, both within and outside the veterinary profession where she works hard to support others in their own wellbeing. She lives in Nottingham with her partner, their young baby and their beloved 14 year old lab x collie, Milly... View more
Fact checked by Taylor Le | Senior Content Editor Taylor Le | Senior Content Editor Taylor is Cats.com's Senior Content Editor. She is a certified copy editor with 12 years of experience in digital content management. In her spare time, she enjoys chasing her toddler, dog, and cats around the house... View more
Share
JoyNik / Shutterstock.com
An ingrown nail is a common condition in cats and can be very painful. Their claws grow continuously, and unless they are worn down or trimmed, they can get too long. The nail becomes ingrown when the claw tip grows around and into the pad. Not only is this painful, but it can even lead to infection.
It can be upsetting to discover your cat has an ingrown nail. But as a veterinarian, I see this condition regularly, even with the most dedicated owners. They often occur out of the blue in older cats as they get less active and their growth patterns change. The good news is that it is pretty easy to treat and prevent recurring ingrown nails.
Causes of Ingrown Nails in Cats
In the wild, ingrown nails aren’t usually a problem because claws get worn down when hunting or climbing. However, if your cat lives indoors or doesn’t use a scratching post, they may not wear their claws down naturally. This is especially true for the dewclaws: the “thumbs” on the inside of your cat’s paws that are not in contact with the ground. Some cats may also have abnormal nails that are more prone to becoming ingrown, especially if they grow at a funny angle.
As your cat ages, their nail quality changes and ingrowns can become a problem. Their claws may grow at different rates, become thicker, and shed layers less easily. Senior cats are often less active than they used to be, so they’re less likely to wear down naturally. Regularly trimming your cat’s claws will prevent ingrown nails. Of course, this can be easier said than done!
Symptoms an Ingrown Nail
Cats are more likely to suffer from ingrown nails as they get older, as they are less likely to wear their claws down naturally. RJ22 / Shutterstock.com
The first sign of an ingrown nail is usually discomfort. You might notice your cat is limping or holding their paw up. There may even be little spots of blood where they are walking. Cats often lick sore areas, so licking the affected paw is another sign they may be in pain.
A quick check of your cat’s paw is usually enough to spot an ingrown nail at home. But remember, it might be very painful, so take extra care handling your cat. An ingrown nail will look long and curved, with the tip of the nail growing into your cat’s pad. The pad might be swollen and there could be a small amount of bleeding. If you notice a smelly discharge, their paw may be infected, so please call your veterinarian right away.
How to Treat an Ingrown Nail
While trimming nails can usually be done at home, ingrown nails are very painful. Your cat will need a full vet exam—and often pain relief or sedation to care for this safely. Once the nail has been clipped and the sharp end removed, your veterinarian will check the extent of the damage.
If possible, they will flush the wound to remove debris and clean the wound. Depending on the extent of the damage, your cat may need a light dressing or bandage to keep the pad clean while the wound heals. Your veterinarian will also check the length of the other claws, as it is likely that others may be overgrown.
Most cats will need pain medication (usually a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory) for a few days at home. Your veterinarian may prescribe a course of antibiotics for your cat if they think there is an infection or a risk of infection. Your cat cannot lick the area because their saliva contains a lot of bacteria. They may need to wear a cat cone or e-collar until it is completely healed. Most cats recover fully in around a week. It will take longer if the wound is deep, gets badly infected, or the cat reopens the wound.
How to Prevent Ingrown Nails in Cats
While normally you can trim your cat’s nails at home, it is best to see a vet if you think a nail has grown into your cat’s pad. David Herraez Calzada / Shutterstock.com
The good news is that ingrown nails are easy to prevent with a few easy steps:
- Encourage regular exercise: Playing on abrasive surfaces like concrete or asphalt will help your cat wear their nails down naturally.
- Provide scratching toys: Scratching posts and cat towers exercise your cat’s natural desire to scratch and helps wear their claws down. They might also save your furniture!
- Examine their paws: Look closely at your cat’s nails to spot any problems and monitor their length. Carefully trimming excess fur may allow you to see better.
- Regular nail trims: Most cat owners need to trim their cat’s nails to prevent ingrowns. Introduce gentle nail trimming to your cat gradually. Many cats will let you do this at home, but your veterinary team or local groomer can also help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do ingrown nails look like on a cat?
Ingrown nails are often thicker and longer than normal. The tip usually curves around the toe, digging into the pad on the underside of your cat's paw. This may cause swelling or infection in the pad. While some cats are good at hiding pain, others may be in visible discomfort.
What does an infected nail look like on a cat?
Infected nails are painful, so you may notice signs of discomfort such as limping, holding the paw up, or excessive licking. This can cause some hair loss and swelling around the affected area. Infection often results in a smelly, yellow discharge and there may also be a small amount of bleeding. If your cat shows those signs, take them to the vet for treatment.
How do you treat an ingrown cat nail at home?
Ingrown nails need to be clipped and removed from the paw pad. The wound needs to be cleaned and flushed afterwards. This is much more painful than a regular nail trim, and is a job best left to the vet. Especially your cat may need pain relief medication or even antibiotics.
Do ingrown nails heal on their own?
Once a nail grows into your cat's paw pad, it is unlikely to heal on its own. It will probably continue to grow deeper into the pad, causing more damage and pain for your cat. The good news is that ingrown nails are easy to treat with a visit to your veterinarian, as long as you catch them early.
