Cat Nail Question

[ArlosMom]

So my boy Arlo has THE WORST nails.. they seem to never ever come clean and are always hard to retract when I try to clean in the deep folds. I noticed tonight that some of his back nails almost look like they are split on the underside back part of the nail. It looks like there is a ridge/opening where the nail quick is exposed and dirt and stuff gets trapped in here. I am using guillotine type nail trimmers as these are supposed to precisely cut the nail and not "crush" it and cause it to splinter or break like traditional nail clippers. When I clean these back nails it almost seems like he's in pain (or perhaps they are the last thing I clean and he's just fed up with being restrained!). I am not sure if this is normal, or if there is some type of defect in his nails. Has anyone ever seen anything like this? Is it normal? Is it a cause for concern? I am wondering if this potential "nail issue" might be tied to his "leg shaking" that I have previously noticed him doing.

Thank you!

 

[MollysMom]

Molly and Leo have this on a few nails... I have never given it much concern. I think it is no worse than us having a bit on dirt under our nails. Not attractive, but probably not likely to cause infection or anything.

 

[Catzzzmeow]

Our Jouët has this as well. Only on her back feet and I seldom have to clip a few of those nails. I always wondered if it had to do with the fact she chews her back nails, I never see her chewing her front ones.

Patti


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[admin]

So my boy Arlo has THE WORST nails.. they seem to never ever come clean and are always hard to retract when I try to clean in the deep folds. I noticed tonight that some of his back nails almost look like they are split on the underside back part of the nail. It looks like there is a ridge/opening where the nail quick is exposed and dirt and stuff gets trapped in here. I am using guillotine type nail trimmers as these are supposed to precisely cut the nail and not "crush" it and cause it to splinter or break like traditional nail clippers. When I clean these back nails it almost seems like he's in pain (or perhaps they are the last thing I clean and he's just fed up with being restrained!). I am not sure if this is normal, or if there is some type of defect in his nails. Has anyone ever seen anything like this? Is it normal? Is it a cause for concern? I am wondering if this potential "nail issue" might be tied to his "leg shaking" that I have previously noticed him doing.

Thank you!

Nails do "shed" layers or claw sheaths, so I'm guessing thats what you are seeing. When they scratch thing like scratching posts or (your couch or chairs ) they are shedding these layers. Perhaps a picture would help if you can get that close.
Clipping your Sphynx cat nails.

 

[Xandria]

Max's nails "shed", which I have attributed to the fact that he doesn't scratch. Probably the only cat in the world but doesn't scratch. When I tend to his claws, I just use my fingernails to get rid of these little layers.

While Max isn't a huge fan of having his nails done, he takes it in stride and only fusses towards the end (I presume he's getting bored). One thing I found recently that works well in cleaning is to put coconut oil in hot water, and then drag a baby wipe through it. Squeezing it out a little bit, and then using that to clean toes and nails. I also have Max soak in a couple inches of warm water with HyLyt BEFORE I settle him down on my lap for toe and nail cleaning. After clipping I use a nail file. And then finally I use a washcloth soaked in warm water, wrapped around the paw and massaging (as well as cleaning off any of the residue). He definitely likes the massage.

Not sure if the above procedure helps you at all. Hugs.

 

[Hairless Blessing]

It would help, if you could take a pic.