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Why do cats bite and chew on their nails? What to do if it happens

Paige Cerulli
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As humans, we’re taught that biting nails is a bad thing. Biting or chewing on your nails is a habit to be broken, and it’s bad for your teeth, too. But in cats, biting and chewing at nails takes on a different meaning. Why do cats bite their nails? This behavior is often completely normal, and your cat who bites his nails from time to time probably isn’t doing any harm. But with all cat behavior, biting and chewing on nails can be taken to the extreme, and there are some situations where this behavior indicates other underlying issues that you should be aware of. Better understanding the potential causes of this behavior can help you determine whether your cat is acting normally or if he might need some help.

White longhaired cat grooming itself

Natural nail biting habits

So why do cats bite their nails? The most common reason is natural, rooted in instinct, according to Pet MD. Some nail chewing occurs naturally when a cat grooms his paws. Your cat might chew on his paw pads and nails to get rid of any dirt that’s built up in the area. Dirt can get stuck between your cat’s paw pads, so he may need to use a little chewing effort to get rid of it.

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Your cat might also chew on his nails in an effort to maintain those nails. He might be trying to bite off a broken piece, or he might be trying to remove pieces of the nail that are naturally shredding. Cats who have access to trees and scratching posts may maintain their nails without chewing on them, but this will vary from cat to cat.

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When nail biting becomes excessive

In some cases, your cat may take nail chewing and biting a bit too far. In many cases of normal nail chewing, you might not even see the behavior, since your cat will do it only occasionally and may prefer to groom himself in private. But when the behavior turns excessive, your cat will very clearly chew at his paws, and he’ll do it so frequently it will be hard to miss.

Your cat might start to obsessively chew on his nails because of an injury, like a broken nail or a cut to his paw, or an infection, like a yeast infection that can make his paw very itchy. You may be able to see these issues if your cat will let you examine his paw.

Stress and anxiety can also cause cats to behave abnormally, and that behavior might include obsessive nail and paw chewing. You might notice other signs of anxiety, like improper urination habits, increased hiding, and even attitude changes. Think about any recent changes to your home that may have prompted this anxiety, like a recent move or the addition of a new family member – either human or pet.

Orange and white cat grooming his paw

What to do about nail biting and chewing

If you notice your cat occasionally biting at his nails, it’s probably completely normal and there’s nothing to be concerned about. But if your cat’s chewing habits become more pronounced, you might need to intervene.

If your cat will let you, you can examine his paw for irritation or injuries. A trip to your vet can also help you to get to the root of the problem, and your vet can treat an infection or injury to make your cat more comfortable. As the issue resolves, your cat should be less inclined to chew on his nails.

Addressing stress and anxiety that are causing nail chewing can be more challenging. If you can address the cause of the anxiety, you may be able to take some steps to help your cat feel more relaxed. Sometimes increasing your cat’s exercise through numerous daily play sessions can help, too.

Final thoughts

Cats are highly thorough groomers, so in most cases your cat’s nail chewing will just be a standard part of his grooming routine. You can help support his nail health by giving him access to scratching posts, cardboard scratchers, and other toys that encourage him to satisfy his natural scratching instincts. Scratching helps groom and maintain a cat’s nails, so you’ll be supporting his health in the process. It’s also a good idea to get your cat used to letting you handle his paws a little bit so you can inspect his nails if needed. This also makes performing regular nail trims – another important element of your cat’s nail health – easier for you both.

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