🔍 Overview

Nail and nail‑bed disorders in cats—also called claw dystrophies—include a range of issues: torn nails, ingrown claws, infections (bacterial, fungal), autoimmune conditions, tumors, brittle or deformed nails :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

⚠️ Causes

• Trauma & torn nails: Fractures, snagged claws causing pain and bleeding :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• Ingrown nails: Especially in elderly/less active cats—leads to pad penetration and infection :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• Infections: Paronychia (bacterial/fungal infection of nail fold), onychomycosis (fungal) :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
• Autoimmune: Pemphigus foliaceus causing crusting/sores at nail beds :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
• Nail dystrophy: Brittle (onychorrhexis), sloughing (onychomadesis), thickening (onychauxis) :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
• Tumors: Rare nail‑bed tumors like squamous cell carcinoma or melanoma :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.

🚩 Signs to Watch For

• Persistent licking, biting or chewing at paws :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
• Limping, holding paw up, pain when touched :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
• Swelling, redness, discharge or bleeding around nail :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
• Deformed, discolored, thickened or cracked nails :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
• Non-healing sores, ulcerations or unusual growths :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.

🔬 Veterinary Diagnosis

• Physical exam: Pain assessment, nail evaluation :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
• Diagnostic sampling: Skin scraping, cytology, bacterial/fungal culture :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
• Biopsy/imaging: Needed if autoimmune disease suspected or tumors present :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
• Bloodwork: To assess immune or systemic disease contributing to nail issues :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.

🛠️ Treatment Options

A. Trauma & Ingrown Nails

• Trim or remove damaged nail carefully—may require sedation :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.
• Apply antibiotic/fungal ointment and clean bandages; pain relief as needed :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.

B. Bacterial/Fungal Infections

• Topical/systemic antibiotics for paronychia; antifungals like griseofulvin, itraconazole for onychomycosis :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.

C. Autoimmune & Auto-inflammatory

• Immunosuppressives: steroids, cyclosporine, niacinamide-tetracycline :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}.

D. Nail Dystrophy/Damage

• Regular trimming, possible debridement or nail avulsion for thickened nails (onychauxis) :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}.

E. Tumors or Growths

• Surgical excision or amputation of affected digit for malignancies :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}.

🏡 Home Care & Prevention

• Trim nails every 2–3 months, especially in indoor/senior cats :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}.
• Keep paws clean and dry; inspect weekly.
• Provide paw-safe scratching surfaces to prevent overgrowth.
• Use breathable booties or bandages if needed post‑vet visit.
• Address underlying allergies or immune issues promptly.
• Use the Ask A Vet app for remote paw checks and expert support.

📅 Prognosis & Follow-up

• Most infections and trauma cases resolve fully with treatment :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}.
• Autoimmune conditions may require long-term medication and monitoring.
• Tumor outcomes depend on early detection and cancer type; prompt surgery improves success :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}.
• Regular rechecks and paw care essential to prevent relapse.

📝 Quick Reference Table