When people chew their nails, it’s normally dismissed as a nervous tick or a nasty behavior. At worst, it is regarded as rude or unhygienic. Why do cats chew their nails? Whereas it’s typically thought-about regular, it might probably typically trigger concern for causes we’ll focus on beneath.
Grooming your cat is kind of the method, fortunately, they tackle many of the activity. Why do cats chew their toes? It’s simply a part of the grooming course of on most events – who doesn’t love a great pedicure? Extreme biting is usually a signal of an underlying drawback, although. It could possibly be a behavioral situation introduced on by stress or anxiousness.
It is also a medical situation, which can require a go to to your vet. Both approach, you’ll wish to monitor such habits, as it might result in extra important issues if ignored.
Learn on to search out out why cats chew their nails and when you ought to be involved.
![The Hidden Meaning Behind Your Cat's Nail-Biting Habit 1 grey cat with paw up](https://i0.wp.com/thediscerningcat.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/grey-cat-with-paw-up.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1)
Why Do Cats Chew Their Nails?
Cats Biting Nails and Toes Is Regular (Normally)
Cats like to groom. A part of that course of is cleansing their paws and getting “between the toes”, because it have been. Cats will chew and chew claws and toes to get rid of undesirable particles and detritus, like litter or sand. That is particularly noticeable in cats that benefit from the outdoor.
![The Hidden Meaning Behind Your Cat's Nail-Biting Habit 2 white cat's claws up close](https://i0.wp.com/thediscerningcat.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/white-cats-claws-up-close.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1)
Cat claws even have a particular layered construction. Because of this the nail’s outer layer tends to put on and fray. Cats typically chew their claws to assist take away their nails’ outer layer. Beneath, a recent new layer awaits with added sharpness and shine.
The biting works in tandem with different strategies. Your cat could use scratching posts, out of doors tree bark, or your favourite couch for scratching to put on down or sharpen their nails. Basically, cats wish to hold them sharp, hold them clear, and hold them at wholesome lengths.
It’s at all times a good suggestion to supply your cat with an appropriate scratching put up to assist them hold their nails in tip prime situation!
![The Hidden Meaning Behind Your Cat's Nail-Biting Habit 3 ginger cat claws up close](https://i0.wp.com/thediscerningcat.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/ginger-cat-claws-up-close.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1)
When Ought to You Be Involved?
It’s price noting that you could be not at all times discover when your cat is chewing. Your cat isn’t in view 100% of the time. And a few cats like a little bit of privateness when cleansing.
But when your in any other case wholesome cat doesn’t have correct amenities to claw, it might resort to extreme chewing. That is a straightforward drawback to repair – strive a high-quality scratching put up or a horizontal scratching board (totally different strokes for various cats).
![The Hidden Meaning Behind Your Cat's Nail-Biting Habit 4 black and white cat and white scratching post](https://i0.wp.com/thediscerningcat.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/shutterstock_352802456.jpg?fit=400%2C400&ssl=1)
Past this straightforward repair, there are conditions the place nail-biting is irregular. It could be an indication of a number of illnesses that want extra pressing addressing. Extreme nail biting is normally ascribed to both a medical or a behavioral drawback. So let’s have a look at just a few frequent points and doable treatments.
Medical Causes – Why Do Cats Chew Their Nails?
As with every particular person or animal, medical points are available numerous varieties. It’s greatest to let a vet advise on the perfect plan of action with any medical situation. However it’s price realizing the probabilities.
![The Hidden Meaning Behind Your Cat's Nail-Biting Habit 5 Veterinarian listening to cat's heart](https://i0.wp.com/thediscerningcat.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/ginger-cat-having-its-heart-listened-to.jpg?fit=1186%2C800&ssl=1)
From infections to pre-existing situations, your cat could also be affected by one of many beneath:
1. Pemphigus
Pemphigus is an autoimmune illness that impacts a cat’s pores and skin. It’s categorized into 5 totally different subtypes. Pemphigus foliaceus is the sort mostly related to cats.
It manifests as irritation in delicate areas just like the face (eyelids, nostrils, ears), genital space, and sure, the paws. Lesions seem on the beds of the toenails, forming painful crusty areas. The cat will try to lick or clear these, leading to extreme claw consideration.
![The Hidden Meaning Behind Your Cat's Nail-Biting Habit 6 ginger cat with green eyes and tongue out up close](https://i0.wp.com/thediscerningcat.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/ginger-cat-with-green-eyes-and-tongue-out-up-close.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1)
2. Ringworm
Feline dermatophytosis is a comparatively frequent pores and skin dysfunction. Regardless of its frequent title, it’s obtained nothing to do with worms. It’s a fungal an infection picked up from the surroundings or different animals. In lots of circumstances, the fungi are disposed of by means of routine grooming.
However when the fungus takes maintain, it can have an effect on hair and nails – substances wealthy in keratin. The fungus may infect and inflame the pores and skin. Untreated ringworm causes hair loss, scales, contaminated claws, and nails, which leads to extreme grooming.
It must also be famous that people can catch ringworm from cats by means of damaged pores and skin. When you discover any adjustments in your cat’s well being or habits, it’s greatest to contact your veterinarian.
![The Hidden Meaning Behind Your Cat's Nail-Biting Habit 7 silver siberian cats grooming each other](https://i0.wp.com/thediscerningcat.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/silver-siberian-cats-grooming-each-other.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1)
3. Different Infections
Cats may undergo bacterial or fungal infections affecting their nails and paws. Many will be triggered unexpectedly, so that you would possibly marvel, “why does my cat chew his nails?”. Some breeds are additionally genetically predisposed to sure situations – Persian cats, for instance, are vulnerable to quite a few issues equivalent to haircoat issues, dental illnesses, overgrown nails and eye discharge (source).
Cats may react to chemical substances or detergents used on house surfaces. So at all times make sure to hold family chemical substances out of your kitty’s attain!
![The Hidden Meaning Behind Your Cat's Nail-Biting Habit 8 white-persian-cat on side lying on ground](https://i0.wp.com/thediscerningcat.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/white-persian-cat.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1)
4. Nail Issues in Older Cats
Aged kitties can require a whole lot of particular consideration, like further grooming and cat food for old cats. Older cats could undergo a hormonal imbalance that ends in nails which might be too thick or too brittle. They’ll undergo from a wide range of age-associated situations, equivalent to cognitive decline and tumors.
As your cat ages, you would possibly end up asking, “why does my cat chew her nails?”. In all circumstances, search the recommendation of a vet. Many points will be managed, particularly if detected early.
![The Hidden Meaning Behind Your Cat's Nail-Biting Habit 9 grey cat eating woman's fingers](https://i0.wp.com/thediscerningcat.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/grey-cat-eating-womans-fingers_.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1)
Behavioral Issues – Why Do Cats Chew Nails?
Why is my cat biting his nails? Stress or anxiousness can be the sources of many behavioral points. Typically abject boredom and even loneliness is responsible. Opposite to widespread perception, psychological situations are usually not solely human experiences. Cats can develop depression and different psychological diseases.
Except for over-grooming, you may additionally see signs like hair loss (or, extra precisely, hair-pulling) and a compulsive eating disorder, pica. Victims of pica (human and feline) compulsively eat non-foods like materials, paper, cardboard, and many others.
![The Hidden Meaning Behind Your Cat's Nail-Biting Habit 10 grey and white kitten having claws cut](https://i0.wp.com/thediscerningcat.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/grey-and-white-kitten-having-claws-cut.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1)
Is your cat instantly quiet or extra vocal? Has it stopped consuming, or does it run and conceal when it didn’t earlier than? Typically these different behaviors could point out one thing is flawed.
Most often, a number of of the next actions could assist to alleviate the scenario.
⇒Learn extra about How to get your cat to eat.
1. Scale back Stress
Cats have a tendency to search out solace in secure areas. One of many first issues you may present is a excessive perch or a cat provider that’s remoted and free from any stressor. You might also take into consideration buying a pheromone diffuser to assist calm a burdened feline.
![The Hidden Meaning Behind Your Cat's Nail-Biting Habit 11 Ginger cat upside down on a scratching tree why do cats chase their tails](https://i0.wp.com/thediscerningcat.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Ginger-cat-upside-down-on-a-scrtching-tree.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1)
Wonderful the place you may find yourself whenever you chase your tail.
⇒ Getting a brand new kitty? Try my information to How to Look after a Kitten, Best Kitten Wet Food Choices and Best Kitten Dry Food Choices
2. Monitor the Interplay Between Cats
If one other cat could also be inflicting anxiousness or aggression, you’ll have to re-introduce them. Combative cats additionally wrestle over shared assets. Attempt a number of meals bowls and litter trays. Cats are vulnerable to every others’ smells round objects.
⇒Learn extra about Smells cats hate
![The Hidden Meaning Behind Your Cat's Nail-Biting Habit 12 3 ginger american bobtail cats](https://i0.wp.com/thediscerningcat.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/american-bobtail-cats.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1)
3. Present Stimulation
A bored cat is a cat which will develop behavioral points. That is extra prevalent in cats that stay indoors. On this case, it’s best to attempt to present a house surroundings that simulates the out of doors surroundings as a lot as doable.
Excessive surfaces to climb and stroll, cat bushes, toys, and even hideaways and closed cat bins will work right here.
![The Hidden Meaning Behind Your Cat's Nail-Biting Habit 13 cute kitten playing with colourful toy](https://i0.wp.com/thediscerningcat.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/cute-kitten-playing-with-paws-toy-on-blue-carpet.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1)
Playtime can be going to be extra necessary to emphasise. Ensure you provide sufficient high-energy play together with your cat, additionally to burn off that further vitality. You’ll want to reward applicable play, although, or your cat could assault you playfully at sudden instances.
4. Keep a Robust Routine
It sounds a bit on the market, however growing and sticking to a routine is as helpful to a cat as it’s to you. Begin a routine whereby you feed your cat concurrently day-after-day. Play together with your cat concurrently day-after-day and for a set period of time(s), and schedule a brief grooming session day-after-day if doable.
![The Hidden Meaning Behind Your Cat's Nail-Biting Habit 14 Grey tabby plays with plush mouse](https://i0.wp.com/thediscerningcat.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Grey-tabby-plays-with-plush-mouse.jpg?fit=1065%2C800&ssl=1)
5. Seek the advice of a Vet About Treatment
In excessive circumstances, ask your vet about remedy. A TCA (Tricyclic antidepressant) or SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) may go as properly for a cat because it does for a human.
Cats are surprisingly weak to anxiousness, particularly when there’s a change within the surroundings.
![The Hidden Meaning Behind Your Cat's Nail-Biting Habit 15 Unrecognizable veterinarian cleaning ears of a cat with cotton buds why do cats bite their nails](https://i0.wp.com/thediscerningcat.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/cats-ear-being-pulled-back.jpg?fit=1202%2C800&ssl=1)
Anxious cats will be problematic to themselves and others within the house, so it’s greatest to be secure relatively than sorry.
Closing Ideas on Why Do Cats Chew Their Nails
There you’ve got it. Cats biting claws isn’t uncommon. However often, a cat could exhibit extreme biting that wants your consideration and treatment.
Hopefully, one of many fixes I’ve urged above helps. As at all times, when unsure, seek the advice of your vet. On the very least, it can scale back your anxious nail-biting over the difficulty.
![The Hidden Meaning Behind Your Cat's Nail-Biting Habit 16 black and white cat growling](https://i0.wp.com/thediscerningcat.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/black-and-white-cat-growling.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1)