Keep Finding Cat’s Nails On The Floor? Is That OK?
If you have a cat, chances are you’ve found a sharp little claw on your floor at some point. And if you have more than one cat, you might find them quite frequently! But is it normal to find cat’s nails on the floor? Let’s take a look.
First of all, yes, it’s OK. And it’s completely normal, so make sure you understand that there is nothing to worry about.
Why Do Cats Lose Their Nails?
Cats lose their nails for a few reasons. The most common reason is because they’re simply shedding their old nail in order to grow a new one. This is similar to how humans shed skin cells regularly. Just like our skin, cat’s nails are constantly growing and shedding.
During a cat’s normal activity the outer shell of a claw — the “sheath” — can break off and be left on the floor. This is normal shedding. This is more likely to happen if your cat’s claws are in need of a trimming, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that the nails haven’t been trimmed, or immediately need to be trimmed.
Interestingly, cats’ claws have a layered design that allows for the outer shell of the nail to shed while the underlying claw stays intact. It’s totally normal for the outer shell to pop off and for the underlying nail to be totally fine. It’s not painful for the cat, in fact she probably won’t even notice the nail coming off.
Another reason cats might lose their nails is because they’ve gotten stuck in something and had to tear themselves free. This isn’t too common, but it can happen if your cat gets caught on a piece of furniture, carpeting, or climbing through a tight space. If you notice your cat is missing a nail and seems to be in pain, take them to the vet to make sure there isn’t anything else going on.
Finally, cats can also lose nails due to an injury or illness. If your cat has been sick or injured, they may lose a nail as part of their recovery process. It’s important to keep an eye on your cat’s nails and consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns. This is less common and there will likely be other signs you notice before the nails, but it’s still worth noting.
Concluding Thoughts
It’s perfectly normal to find cat’s nails on the floor from time to time. However, if you notice that your cat is losing more nails than usual or seems to be in pain, be sure to consult with your veterinarian right away.