What to Do About Your Cat’s Ingrown Nail (and When to Call the Vet)

Most cat owners think the biggest threat from claws is the furniture. Sometimes the real victim is the cat’s own paw. An ingrown cat nail is a common and painful condition that happens when a claw grows too long, curves around, and digs into the paw pad. It’s especially common in senior cats and indoor cats who don’t wear their nails down naturally. The good news: it’s treatable and preventable with regular nail care.

What Is an Ingrown Cat Nail?

An ingrown cat nail, also known as onychocryptosis, is a condition where a cat’s claw overgrows and curves into the paw pad. Unlike a human ingrown toenail, where the nail edge grows sideways into the skin, a cat’s entire claw tip curls underneath and punctures the bottom of the pad.

Cat claws grow continuously and normally shed their outer sheath every two to three months through scratching and climbing. When that shedding process doesn’t happen, or nails aren’t trimmed, the claw keeps growing in a curve until it pierces the pad. Once the skin is punctured, bacteria can enter the wound and cause infection.

What Causes Ingrown Nails in Cats?

Several factors can lead to overgrown cat claws that become ingrown:

Lack of regular nail trimming is the most common cause. Indoor cats that don’t have enough scratching surfaces or outdoor activity may not naturally wear their nails down at all.

Age plays a major role. Senior cats are less active, so their claws don’t wear down through normal movement. Their nails also tend to thicken, become more brittle, and shed their outer layers less effectively as they get older. According to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine’s CatWatch Newsletter, cats with diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and arthritis are all more likely to develop thick, long nails that can become ingrown.

Dewclaws are the most frequently affected nails. These are the “thumb” claws on the inside of your cat’s front paws. They don’t contact the ground and never wear down through walking or scratching, so they need consistent trimming. Some cats also have rear dewclaws, which are even more prone to growing in a circle and into the pad.

Polydactyl cats (cats with extra toes) face a higher risk because the extra digits often have nails that grow at unusual angles and are easy to miss during routine checks and trims.

Signs and Symptoms of an Ingrown Cat Claw

Cats are experts at hiding pain, so you may not notice an ingrown nail right away. Here’s what to watch for:

Other signs include reluctance to jump or use the scratching post, increased irritability when touched near the paws, and decreased appetite. If your cat suddenly stops climbing or playing, check their claws.

How to Treat a Mild Ingrown Nail at Home

If the nail is mildly overgrown and just touching or barely contacting the pad, with no signs of infection, you can try trimming it at home.

What you’ll need: Scissor-type pet nail clippers, blunt-tipped tweezers, mild antiseptic like chlorhexidine, a clean cloth, and a towel for wrapping your cat.

Step 1: Wrap your cat securely in a towel with only the affected paw exposed. This keeps both of you safe.

Step 2: Using the nail clippers, trim the overgrown nail just above where it contacts the pad. Cut at a slight angle following the nail’s natural curve.

Step 3: The nail tip should fall away from the pad on its own. If it doesn’t, the tip may slide out easily with blunt-tipped tweezers. Do not pull if the nail resists, as this can tear the pad. In that case, stop and contact your vet.

Step 4: Clean the pad with warm water and a mild antiseptic. Pat dry with a clean cloth.

Step 5: Switch to a pellet-style cat litter for a few days while the pad heals. Fine clay litter can get into the wound and cause irritation.

Step 6: Monitor the paw for 2 to 3 days. If you notice any redness, swelling, or discharge developing, see your vet.

If your cat won’t cooperate, is in visible pain, or you see any bleeding or pus, stop and schedule a vet visit instead. There’s no shame in letting a professional handle it.

What Does an Ingrown Cat Nail Look Like?

An ingrown cat nail usually starts as a claw that has grown too long and curled downward toward the paw pad. In early stages, the tip of the nail may simply press against the pad without breaking the skin.

As the nail continues to grow, it can puncture the pad and become embedded in the tissue. At this stage, the surrounding skin may appear red, swollen, or irritated.

In more advanced cases, you may see discharge, bleeding, or a small wound where the claw has entered the pad. Some cats will lick the area frequently or hold the paw slightly off the ground.

When to See the Vet

Contact your veterinarian if you notice any of the following:

• The nail is deeply embedded in the paw pad

• Redness, swelling, or discharge around the nail

• The pad is bleeding

• Your cat is limping or crying when the paw is touched

• Multiple nails are ingrown, which may signal an underlying condition like diabetes or thyroid disease

You should also schedule a vet visit if ingrown nails keep recurring despite regular trimming, or if you're not comfortable treating the nail at home.

What Happens at the Vet: Treatment and Recovery

Your vet will examine the paw and assess how deeply the nail is embedded and whether infection is present. For deeply embedded nails, the vet may sedate your cat to minimize pain during the procedure.

Treatment typically involves clipping the ingrown nail, carefully removing the embedded portion from the pad, and cleaning the wound. If there’s infection, your vet will prescribe antibiotics for one to two weeks. Pain medication and bandaging may also be needed.

Recovery generally takes one to two weeks. Your cat may go home with an e-collar (cone) to prevent licking. During recovery, switch to pellet-style litter, keep the paw clean, and give all medications as directed.

Cat Ingrown Nail Removal Cost

Treatment costs depend on severity and whether sedation or antibiotics are needed. Here’s what you can typically expect:

A cat insurance policy can help cover the cost of treating an infected ingrown nail, including the exam, treatment, and prescribed medications. For prevention, Wellness Rewards, Embrace’s optional wellness plan, reimburses for routine nail trims and wellness exams, helping you stay ahead of problems like overgrown claws before they become painful.

How to Prevent Ingrown Cat Claws

Regular nail trimming is the single most effective way to prevent ingrown claws. Most cats need their nails trimmed every 4 to 6 weeks, though senior cats or cats with fast-growing nails may need trims every 2 to 3 weeks.

Pay extra attention to dewclaws. These don’t wear down on their own and are the most common site for ingrown nails. If your cat has extra toes, check those nails at every trimming session too.

Provide scratching surfaces. Scratching posts, cardboard scratchers, and sisal mats help cats naturally shed the outer nail sheath. Offer both vertical and horizontal options. For more options to keep nails under control, consider other alternatives to declawing cats.

Start early. Handle your kitten’s paws regularly, even before they need trimming. This builds tolerance for future nail care.

Schedule regular paw checks. A quick look at all four paws during your weekly grooming routine can catch overgrown nails before they curve into the pad.

Don’t skip senior cat checkups. As cats age, nail changes are common. Your vet can check nail health during routine exams and flag concerns related to thickening or abnormal growth.

If you’re not comfortable trimming your cat’s nails at home, your vet or a professional groomer can do it for you. A routine vet visit nail trim is quick and affordable.