Cats regularly shed the outer layers of their nails. They typically remove the outer layer by scratching something and leaving a small claw-shaped nail behind, revealing the shiny and sharp new claw beneath. However, this is sometimes not the case, and your cat's nails could be splintering for other reasons. Today, our Grants Pass vets will review other reasons your cat's nails might be splitting.
What causes splitting nails in cats?
It can be concerning to notice your cat's nails becoming thin or misshapen. While there are reasons that are harmless enough, there are other possible causes that require our 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 blood supply, 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. Bad 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 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, forget to groom themselves, and scratching posts become less important. 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 cushion 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 age, they'll have no problem trusting you with their paws and won't have to worry about nail consequences if they stop scratching their nails 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. 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 another common symptom of anxiety in cats, as is intense chewing on their nails.
5. Poor Health
Finding a split nail isn't always bad unless it happens frequently. The condition of your cat's nails can also indicate its overall health. A broken or injured limb can make scratching your cat's nails on the cat tree difficult. A medical condition that kept them sedentary for an extended period could leave their nails 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. Ensure your kitty gets enough healthy food to benefit them in all aspects of their life.
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 cause nail disease; 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 splitting.
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, other types of cancer may spread to the nail bed. This is why we must monitor our cat's overall health, from the tips of their ears to the sharp tips of their nails.
How to treat split nails?
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, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian for proper care and potential medication.
How do you prevent splitting nails?
To prevent split nails in cats, it is important to regularly trim their nails to keep them at a healthy length. Additionally, providing scratching posts and other appropriate surfaces for your cat to scratch on can help prevent their nails from splitting.
When should you visit the vet for splitting nails?
It is important to visit a vet for a cat's split nails if they are bleeding, causing pain, or showing signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or discharge. Additionally, if the split nail does not heal within a few days, it is best to seek veterinary care to prevent further complications.
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.
