Can you declaw a polydactyl cat?

While not life-threatening, the propensity for overgrown nails in polydactyl cats leads many vets to recommend preemptive declawing of these cats to remove the possibility of any problem down the line. Although, some may view declawing as a barbaric procedure, it is actually an excellent solution in this case.

Why does my cat have an extra nail?

If you see what looks like an extra toenail but it’s coming off of the pad, it’s probably a cutaneous horn. According to DVM360: “Cutaneous horns are composed of keratin overgrowth. Often thin and horn-like (hence the name), they may appear like second “nails” close to the nails on the digital pads.

Can you remove the nails of a cat?

Too often, people think that declawing is a simple surgery that removes a cat’s nails—the equivalent of having your fingernails trimmed. Sadly, this is far from the truth. Declawing traditionally involves the amputation of the last bone of each toe.

Is it bad to never trim your cats nails?

But you can’t skip the nail trim. If a cat’s claws are not trimmed on a regular basis, they can curl in on themselves and grow into the foot pad, causing intense pain. Untrimmed nails can also pose a hazard to people and furniture, both of which can be injured by too-long claws.

Do polydactyl cats need extra care?

Most polydactyls get around just fine with multiple toes and don’t require special care. However, polydactyls’ nails do need regular trimming, as they can become ingrown, causing pain and infection. Have your vet inspect your cat’s paws regularly to see whether there are any issues related to his extra digits.

Can I remove my cats cutaneous horn?

In some cases, your vet may recommend surgery to remove the cutaneous horns completely. To keep the horns from recurring, your vet will excise the base of the growth. Your vet can prescribe Azithromycin or Interferon to reduce pain and discomfort.

Do nail caps hurt cats?

But the answer is that no, cat nail caps do not hurt cats. They are still able to extend and retract their claws normally, as long as the nail caps are applied properly. Cats should be able to walk, run, climb, and play normally while wearing the nail caps.

How do cat nail caps come off?

Purdy Paws nail caps fall off with the natural growth of your pets claws. As the nail grows, the outer layer of the claw sheds. If you do not see all nails shed after 4 – 6 weeks, just trim the tip of the nail cap. This will loosen the seal of the soft claws paws nail caps so you can remove it.

How can I trim my cat’s nails without getting scratched?

Starts here6:43How to Trim Your Cat’s Nails (Without Death Happening) – YouTubeYouTube