is it possible for a nail to grow back?

Hi, I'm a newbie, and Precious ( aka,:trip me one more time...,kitty, fuzzball, The Beast) is the first and only cat I've ever had. She was my Grandmother's cat and when she died I took The Beast. Grandma had her declawed (front paws only) and while I don't agree, I can't put them back either she is a indoor cat, and only goes outside if on her leash ( which she hates!)

Precious is now 15 and has a nail growing on her front right paw! she was declawed over 13 years ago so this seems very odd to me, is it possible for the nail to grow back after all this time?


she was on meds for a couple weeks after she had a broken tooth pulled, could that have something to do with it?

It is possible for nails to grow back. The problem is that often times, a nail will grow out incorrectly through the top or bottom of the toe and cause pain and open sores. The nails can also grow back inside the toes, also causing pain. You would not even know it until your kitty started limping or favoring a paw and you had x-rays performed.

You should probably take Precious to your vet, just to make sure the claw is not going to cause any problems. He/she will probably want to take some x-rays of the front paws.

I did ask the vet last week, and he said it's possible for nails to grow back, just as it is if a human has a nail removed. but it's very odd for it to grow back after 13 years. in Precious's case, she had a tumor that was messing with her hormones and that is what caused the nail to grow! so you learn something new every day! LOL

I'm so sorry for your loss. Precious looks like she was full of catitude. 15 is a good long life. Best.