Claw growing back on de-clawed cat?

Willowy

TCS Member
Thread starter
Top Cat
Joined
Mar 1, 2009
Messages
31,886
Purraise
28,287
Location
South Dakota
One of my mom's cats was de-clawed by her previous owner :(. Today my mom noticed a "plastic ring" on her paw so I took a look, and it was a claw grown in a circle :/. Not a proper claw, though, kind of thin and flat. I cut it off as close to the blood supply as possible. I can't feel any bone in the toe, but obviously something is growing back. It doesn't look like it grew through the pad or anything like that.

Has anyone else had experience with this kind of thing? How can I tell if she's in pain? Does it need to be removed or can we just keep it trimmed? The local vet is the one who did the de-claw so I certainly wouldn't trust him to fix it. I think there's an orthopedic vet in Sioux Falls but I don't have any idea what it would cost, or if he's even any good at de-claw repairs. How can I find a vet who's known to be good at it?

Ugh. I wish people would think of this before having a cat's claws cut out :mad:.
 

catminionjess

TCS Member
Alpha Cat
Joined
Aug 5, 2015
Messages
345
Purraise
144
Location
Texas
My friend has a cat that is polydactyl, 1 extra claw on a front front paw. The cat was de-clawed, but the claw grew back on the extra one. It can happen. She moved out of state several years ago so I don't know first hand how the cat is doing these days. But when she lived near, the cat seemed normal and happy. I know she has said it gets caught on things sometimes.

If the cat is limping or favoring the other leg, you should consult with another vet to see if it's a what can be done to help her. I understand not wanting to return to the original one. If she's walking normal, there is probably nothing to worry about. My unfortunately de-clawed by previous owners cat walks normal, scratches on posts, and doesn't even seem to remember he has no front claws except when he wants to climb something. I haven't seen any regrown claws on him.
 

chipmunk-kim

TCS Member
Adult Cat
Joined
Dec 13, 2013
Messages
275
Purraise
56
Location
WA State
I've heard of it happening, but never seen it. It's unfortunate that people are so unknowingly ignorant when it comes to cat care and declawing. I'd talk to a vet that doesn't do declaw surgeries if possible, but if she'l starts favoring it may be best to see one anyway.
 
Top