What to Do When Your Cat's Nail Grows Into the Paw Pad? First Aid and Prevention

If a cat's nails go untrimmed for too long, they may curl and pierce into the paw pad, causing pain, inflammation, or even infection. This is especially common in senior cats or cats that rarely use scratching posts. Understanding how to handle and prevent this can help your cat avoid such discomfort.

## Why Ingrown Nails Happen

Cat nails grow continuously. Outdoor cats naturally wear down their nails through climbing and hunting, but indoor cats have less activity, making their nails prone to overgrowth. Once nails grow to a certain length, they begin to curve and may eventually pierce the paw pad.

High-risk groups include:

* Cats that rarely use scratching posts
* Senior cats (decreased activity and thicker nails)
* Polydactyl cats (extra toes are easily overlooked)
* Cats whose nail care has been neglected long-term

## First Aid Steps When You Find an Ingrown Nail

If you discover your cat's nail has pierced the paw pad, follow these steps:

1. **Calm and secure your cat**: Gently wrap the cat in a towel, exposing only the injured paw. This provides security and prevents scratching
2. **Assess the wound**: Check for obvious bleeding, swelling, or pus
3. **Stop the bleeding**: Use clean gauze or tissue to apply direct pressure to the bleeding area for 1-2 minutes
4. **Use styptic powder**: If you have pet-specific styptic powder, apply a small amount and press gently for a few seconds. Cornstarch or flour can substitute in a pinch

**Important reminder**: Never forcefully pull out a nail that has pierced the paw pad, as this may cause more severe bleeding or pain. Also avoid using human alcohol or hydrogen peroxide for disinfection, as these cause intense pain and delay healing.

## When to See a Veterinarian

Seek veterinary care immediately in these situations:

* Bleeding continues after more than 20 minutes of pressure
* The nail base is visibly red and swollen
* There's pus or foul odor (possible infection)
* Cat frequently licks the paw or limps
* The nail is deeply embedded and you can't handle it yourself

Minor nail bleeding usually clots within 5-10 minutes. After stopping the bleeding, let your cat rest in a quiet, clean environment and avoid rough surfaces (carpets, scratching posts) for 30 minutes.

## How to Prevent Ingrown Nails

### Regular Nail Trimming

Prevention is always better than cure. Check your cat's nail length every 2-3 weeks and trim when necessary:

* **Trim little by little**: Only trim 1-2mm each time—better to trim less than too much
* **Identify the safe zone**: The transparent or white area is the trimmable keratin layer; the pink area contains blood vessels and nerves and must never be cut
* **Adequate lighting**: Operate in bright areas to clearly see the quick
* **Use proper tools**: Always use sharp pet-specific nail clippers. Human nail clippers compress the curved cat nail and cause splitting

### Provide Adequate Scratching Surfaces

Place various types of scratching posts or boards throughout your home:

* Diverse materials: sisal, corrugated cardboard, carpet material
* Multiple angles: vertical, horizontal, angled
* Convenient locations: every area where your cat is active should have scratching options

### Desensitization Training for Easier Nail Trimming

Many cats resist nail trimming. Gradual desensitization training can help:

1. Regularly touch paws and paw pads so your cat gets used to it
2. Introduce nail clippers for sniffing without actual use
3. Gently touch nails without cutting, paired with treat rewards
4. Finally proceed to actual trimming—even just one or two nails at a time is fine

If your cat is elderly or has particularly thick nails, consider having a veterinary clinic or professional groomer handle it regularly to avoid forcing the issue at home and creating greater fear.

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**References:**
* [LAMC Veterinary Center - Cat Nail Bleeding Emergency Steps](https://lamcvet.com/貓剪指甲流血點算？緊急止血-4-步驟與預防教學-萊)
* [Cat Garden Hotel - Vet-Level Painless Nail Trimming Guide](https://www.catgardenhotel.com/2025/02/07/cat-nail-trimming-guide/)
* [Pet Knowledge - Cat Nail Abnormality Warning Signs](https://www.pet-tomodachi.com/blogs/毛孩小知識/毛孩小知識-20251022170219)

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