My Kitty Does Her Own Manicures

Hello,
I'm posting in regards to my 2 year old female cat bitting her claws. I noticed her doing this a while back, she would really tug at them. I thought she was just removing perhaps an outer layer of the claw, like dead skin or something.

Recently, I noticed her limping a bit. While checking her out today to find out the limping problem, I noticed she has completley gnawed off 2 of her hind claws!

What would make a cat do this and how do I stop it? What can the vet do if I take her there?

I would first off reccomend trimming her claws, if nothing else when you take her to the vet, he can show you how.

He can also look over the paw and make sure that there isn't something else wrong with her foot.

If your cat is showing signs of discomfort, and you can take her to the vet, please do.

Spotz

Typically cats will chew and bite at their claws because claws shed out, and they are trying to loosen the outer shell of the nail. But what you are describing suggests there is something major going on either an infection brewing or some sort of wound, and the cat needs a vet that can look quite thoroughly at the paws in question.

I agree a vet check is in order....don't want it to get infected or anything. Summer also tugs at her rear claws even after the few times I've trimmed them. I trim the front all of the time, but I also see her tug at those once in awhile, but not as often. So, I don't know if trimming would necessarily stop what comes naturally to them you know? My boyfriend thought she was psycho, but then I explained it to him, but she never has pulled any out....good luck and hope your kitty gets better soon.

Thank you for all the input. I'll get her to the vet stat.