Cats chew their claws as a regular part of grooming. Excessive biting can be a sign of an underlying problem, though. It could be a behavioral issue brought on by stress or anxiety.
It could also be a medical issue, which may require a visit to your vet. Either way, you’ll want to keep an eye on such behavior, as it may lead to more significant problems if ignored.
Read on to find out why cats bite their nails and when you should be concerned.
Cats will chew and bite claws and toes to eliminate unwanted debris and detritus, like litter or sand. This is especially noticeable in cats that enjoy the outdoors.
There are situations where nail-biting is abnormal. Excessive nail-biting is usually ascribed to either a medical or a behavioral problem. let’s look at common issues.
It manifests as irritation in sensitive areas like the face (eyelids, nostrils, ears), genital area, and paws. Lesions appear on the beds of the toenails, forming painful crusty areas.
Despite its common name, it’s got nothing to do with worms. It’s a fungal infection picked up from soil. In many cases, the fungi are disposed of through routine grooming.
Cats may also suffer from bacterial or yeast infections that affect their paws. Many can be triggered unexpectedly.
Subscribe to The Discerning Cat Newsletter and we'll send you a free 50 page ebook Why Do Cats…. Common Cat Behaviours Explained