cat keeps pulling her nails out

cwagne13

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Hi this is my first post so I will do my best to descilribe the problem. My 7th month old that I have had since she was two weeks old has had a reoccuring problem where she keeps pulling out her toe nails for no reason. The first time this happened was at three to four months old. And she has now she has pulled out a total of four nails as of today.
The first time it happened I called the vet and they had me pack the wound to stop the bleeding and we went to the vet sortly after because she already had a vet appointment. Then she did the second one and the vet recommended fish oil which she gets daily. The vet says her nails look healthy that there is no visable sign of a genetic problem. Her nails never get sharp and as a result I don't trim. She does not slow down or limp and has always grown the last two back. She has two right now and a vet appointment set up for anotherblook by the doctor.
Also on a side note I also have her sister too she has no problem like this and sharp nails that get trimmed regularly.
Does anyone experience a similar problem with there cat? Or advice on how to prevent another? Like I said she will be going to the vet but I could not find anything similar that can explain the cause on here.
 

puck

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She shouldn't have dull claws. If they're not sharp, she's not shedding the layers of nails she needs to keep her nailbed healthy and her claws from thickening. Some cats groom their feet, licking and pulling at the layers, as well as scratching to shed them. A spot of blood occassionally is ok. If she's pulled her whole claw off, avulsing her nail away from the nailbed, and/or you see copious bleeding, a behavioral/anxious component needs to be considered.

If she needs encouragement to scratch, there are attracts to spray and sprinkle on cardboard scratchers, sisal posts, carpet, etc. If she needs anxiolytic treatment, some oral anti-depressants and Feliway diffusers/collars are tried until the effective combo for each individual cat is achieved. You can consult your vet about this at your appt.

Good Luck!
 

kenneth haley

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My Sammie will pull the outer layer of his claws off, but they never bleed.
 
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cwagne13

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Was at the vet for the second time for her to take a look at her toes That had already regrown and safetly felt it wasn't a an immune system problem. After a few more questions she says that she is doing it because of anxiety when I'm not around her. We then descussed ways to help her cope. I got a few things to help her if im not around only time will tell if it works. I thought also of bring her with me she. Great at car rides. Sleeps on her pillow most of the time and just checks for me every so often. Does anyone have any suggestions on anxiety activities? She is food oriented if that makes a difference.
N.a.
 
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cwagne13

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Sorry she hit post on my phone while typing and the last word.
I was going to also add that my boyfriend's cat has separation anxiety which resulted in destroying the house but i tried the same solutions for her and she doesn't respond to the music and a door greeting place.
 
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