Cats naturally shed the outer layers of their nails by scratching, revealing a shiny, sharp new claw. However, nails can split for various reasons. Our veterinarians in Denver will review other reasons your cat's nails may be splitting or splintering.
What causes nail splitting in cats?
It can be concerning to notice your cat's nails becoming thin or misshapen. While some reasons for this may be harmless or easily resolved, there are other potential causes that require specific veterinary care and attention. Here are some reasons why your cat's nails might be splitting.
1. Shedding The Old Nail
When your cat's nail grows past the point where the blood circulating through the body can reach the nail's quick (the pink part of a cat's nail that contains the nerves and blood vessels), the surrounding layer begins to crack to make room for the new nail. Each claw's nail splits and falls on average every two to three months. The old layer either falls off on its own or is most likely removed by your cat's scratching.
2. Blunt Nail Clippers
Cutting a cat's nail is not the same as cutting our own, and we can also injure ourselves if we use blunt tools. The pressure from the blade can split, break, and bleed the nail. If left untreated, such tears can lead to infection. So, keep the clippers clean at all times and replace them when they lose their sharpness.
3. Old Age
As your cat ages, you may notice that they have difficulty using the litterbox and forget to groom themselves. Scratching posts may also become less important to them. This neglect of the nails can result in split ends, overgrown nails, discomfort, and increased scratching post avoidance.
Osteoarthritis is a joint degenerative condition in which the normal cartilage cushioning in the joints degrades. The bones in the joint eventually rub against each other, causing pain, reduced joint movement, and the formation of bone spurs or other changes in and around the joint. This discomfort can make it difficult for cats to trim their nails.
That's why it's critical to start introducing nail clippers to your cat as soon as possible. As they get older, they'll have no problem trusting you with their paws and won't have to worry about consequences for their nails if they stop scratching entirely.
4. Nail Biting
Cats clean their paws and nails during their daily grooming sessions, and if they find a split nail, they will chew and bite it to allow the new nail to grow through. Chronic nail biting in cats can be caused by various health issues, the most common of which is ringworm, a fungal infection that causes skin irritation and dandruff. Excessive grooming is also a common symptom of anxiety in cats, as is intense chewing on their nails.
5. Poor Health
Finding that your cat has split a nail isn't always bad unless it happens frequently. The condition of your cat's nails can also be an indication of their overall health. If your cat has a broken or injured limb or other medical condition that keeps them sedentary for an extended period of time, this may make scratching their nails on their cat tree difficult. Consequently, their nails will soon look untrimmed and full.
The condition of your cat's nails, coat, and skin may also reflect its nutritional status. Dietary protein is used to develop and maintain muscle, skin, fur, nails, tendons, ligaments, enzymes, hormones, antibodies, and more. Making sure your kitty gets enough healthy food will benefit them in all aspects of their life and physical appearance.
6. Nailbed Disorders
If your cat's nails are splitting or do not appear healthy, examining every inch of its claws and the paw itself is critical. A traumatic injury can also damage the nail; for example, they may have broken the nail because they were stuck to a surface they were scratching or they had a bad landing. It's also possible that a fungal, bacterial, or viral infection caused the nail to split.
Several nail diseases can cause splitting, including Onycholysis, which causes the nail to separate from the underlying structures. While nail bed tumors are uncommon in cats, some types of cancer may spread to the nail bed. This is why our vets often remind our clients to monitor their cat's overall health, from their feline friend's ears to the sharp tips of their nails.
How can I prevent my cat from splitting a nail?
To prevent split nails in cats, it is important to regularly trim their nails to keep them at a healthy length. While you can certainly trim your cat's nails on your own, you may also choose to bring them to a professional groomer if you are nervous about completing the task on your own.
Additionally, providing scratching posts and other appropriate surfaces for your cat to scratch on can help prevent their nails from splitting.
How to Treat Split Nails in Cats
Treatment for split nails in cats involves trimming the affected nails to prevent further splitting and infection. If the split is severe or causing pain, consult a veterinarian for proper care. Your vet can examine your cat, diagnose any underlying health problems, and prescribe medication if required.
When to visit the vet?
If you're worried about your cat's claws, watch for any behavioral changes, which usually occur when a cat is in pain. Physical discomfort can cause different reactions in different cats; some may become quiet and avoid contact, while others may begin meowing or vocalizing more than usual. Other clear physical signs include limping, licking their paws, or keeping them tucked in at all times. These are all signs that should prompt you to schedule a checkup with your vet.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.
