Introduction

While simple to prevent, ingrown nails are an incredibly common and painful issue, particularly in the feline population. Unlike dogs, a cat’s claws are retractable and continue to grow in a sharp, curved, circular pattern. If not routinely trimmed, the sharp tip of the nail can curl all the way back around and physically puncture the delicate, sensitive tissue of the paw pad. This condition is disproportionately seen in senior cats, severely arthritic cats, or overweight cats with reduced mobility who no longer use scratching posts to naturally shed the outer sheaths of their claws.

Ingrown Nails

  • Common Signs: The most obvious clinical sign of an ingrown nail is sudden or progressive limping. You will frequently observe the cat licking or chewing on a specific toe aggressively and continuously. Upon closer inspection, the paw pad will be significantly swollen, red, and hot to the touch. You may see active bleeding, pus, or a crusty discharge that mats the fur around the toe. In advanced cases, the physical nail can be clearly seen embedded deep within the pad of the foot, causing the cat to cry out when the foot is handled.
  • Treatment: Veterinary treatment is straightforward but must be done carefully to alleviate pain and prevent further trauma. The overgrown nail is precisely trimmed and gently extracted from the punctured pad. Because the paw pad is highly vascular and frequently contaminated with litter box bacteria, the puncture wound is thoroughly flushed and cleaned with an antiseptic solution. Depending on the depth of the wound and the level of infection, your veterinarian will likely prescribe pain medication (Onsior® or gabapentin) and a course of systemic antibiotics to ensure the tissue heals cleanly.
  • Home Monitoring & Care: During the healing phase, environmental hygiene is critical. It is highly recommended to temporarily replace your cat’s standard clumping clay litter with a pelleted alternative, such as Yesterday’s News® or Feline Pine®. Clay litter easily packs into open wounds, creating a cement-like plug that traps bacteria and prevents healing. Expect mild, blood-tinged discharge for the first few days, but monitor closely for escalating redness, worsening limping, or persistent foul-smelling discharge. Prevent the cat from over-grooming the area; an Elizabethan collar (cone) may be temporarily necessary.
  • Long-Term Prevention: It relies entirely on routine maintenance. Regular nail trims every 3 to 6 weeks are the single most effective way to prevent this painful condition. For senior cats or those diagnosed with osteoarthritis, it is crucial to manually trim their claws monthly, as their decreased activity levels mean their nails overgrow much faster. If you are uncomfortable trimming your cat’s nails at home, our technicians are always happy to schedule a brief nail trim appointment.

This blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide diagnostic or treatment guidance. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, please contact Cascade Heights Veterinary Center directly by phone at 206-403-1108,  email, or by scheduling an appointment.  Medications, supplements, and prescription diets can be conveniently ordered through our online pharmacy.