Lately my cat has been chewing her back claws down to the nub. I'm concerned, should i take her to the vet?

Question

I clip her claws regularly, but lately she's been nawing at her back paws more then the typical grooming. She chews on her paws with her back teeth, and grinds her claws really low. I'm scared shes going to make her little pads raw and possibly rip her own claws out. So far, no blood, but I'm not sure if i should take her to the vet, or if there is a possible home remedy for this odd behaviour.

Answer 1

I am thinking that this is more a behavioral problem then the run-of-the-mill allergy. Some cats chew on their tails or over-groom when they are stressed. Then the "relief" they get from it becomes a habit and soon you ahve a cat with behavioral issues. Think back to the time you observed your cat doing this and see if you can figure out what was the stress trigger. Then you can avoid that situation in the future. In the meantime, your kitty may find releif from one of several products formulated to calm stressed out cats. Some of this anti-anxiety hebal or natural formulations are:
1. "PetCalm" by Pet Alive (this is available on line)
2. "Feliway Spray" (available at Petco)
3. "Comfort Zone" plg ins (available at Petco)
4. "Calm and Serene" flower essence for cats

There are others, but thiese are all I can think of right now.

Answer 2

Sure any change will have an effect/affect on behaviors. Cats are way territorial and any disruption can be trauma. The scratch post is a good idea, usually sisal rope, and do hlp some to pull off shedding claw covers but they dont shorten nails or dull them. They only help groom the nail. NO NEVER CLIP. Yowee. Get it done on some schedule at a groomer or vet or SPCA or get one of those new things like a rotary nail file tool if yer cat will tolerate it. So many people clip and take off the end of the vein in the nail, plus use dull clippers which also shred the end of the nail, not cut it clean. If you can find some old, discarded sanding belts from some Joiner/ cabinet shop they used on a big table sander, you can wrap them on an outside post or tree but they wont hold up in the rain. Dallas

Answer 3

you should take it to a vet. or maybe play with a little more and get some catnip stuffed pillows that are about 2"x 2". this might keep the cat busy so it can stop chewing on its claws.

Answer 4

Your cat is either not stimulated enough or may have allergies. You should take your cat to the vet and make sure the cat is free of fleas and infection. If it is an allergy they can administer a shot that will decrease the cats urge to scratch. This medication can also increases the need to drink and pee.

Answer 5

I have two cats and they "bite" their claws occasionally. Usually the back ones too. But I have never noticed them doing it to the point of concern. I was told it was just a part of grooming, but if your cat is doing it really hard, maybe there is something stuck in is foot?

Answer 6

A vet trip is definitely in order. If the vet cannot find anything physically wrong with her then they will be able to suggest some psychological possibilities and methods to relieve the problem =)

Answer 7

She may be having an allergic reaction to something and is super itchy there. It could also be fleas. I would take her to the vet just to be on the safe side... before she draws blood and gets an infection.

Good Luck!

Answer 8

Ok, no offense, but you do NOT( period) need ANYONE to tell you to take YOUR cat to the vet! If you think somethings wrong with ANY of your pets, goto the vet! I can't know cause I am not the one looking, feeding, or playing with the darn thing!

Answer 9

Bugzy is right - if you're concerned about your pet, that is when it's time to consult a vet.

We can't suggest a remedy on here - we don't know what's wrong without seeing the animal.

Chalice

Answer 10

Let the vet take a look, he may have a solution that does not involve meds?