Weird Kitty Cat Claws - Question

[katerkat]

I trimmed Wedge and Tycho's claws today and noticed something weird going on. Some of their front claws (three for Wedge, six for Tycho) are growing, well, down too much. You know how the back claws are thicker? Well, the front claws are getting thicker, too. And there's some weird black stuff underneath the nail part, which hurts them when I touched it. And this is new - it's developed in the last 3-4 weeks since I trimmed their claws.

Anyone seen this? Is it bad? Or are they just weird?

 

[theSurlyMermaid]

I don't know what it is, but if it hurts them when you touch it, I would definitely take them to be evaluated by a vet in case of some type of infection. My rule of thumb is: if any pain or discomfort is involved, then so is the vet!

 

[ebaynut31]

I am not 100% sure but it sounds like you are describing the "quick" (I'm not sure of the correct spelling) under their nails. Be careful not to cut it, it bleeds like crazy. If you do cut it, try to put flour or corn starch on it and hold for a minute or so.

That part grows fast if you let the nails go without being cut often.

If you are concerned, double check with the vet.

 

[katerkat]

Yeah, it looks like the "quick" - but under their normal nails, the quick is pink-ish. This stuff is definitely black. Someone on another board said sometimes a nail grows over top of the old nail, so it might be the old quick from the old nail.

Looks like a trip to the vet may be in order.