Why Do Cats Bite Their Nails

Our adorable cat can not talk with us in language. That's why we should keep an eye on our cats' behaviors to check if there are any signs of health issues. It is believed that cat parents are familiar with the scenario that their cats keep biting their nails but do not know why. But please do not worry. This article will present you with the answer to the question if you are one of these parents with the same doubts.

Why Do Cats Bite Their Nails？

Cats, like many other animals, groom themselves regularly to keep their fur clean and remove loose hair. Part of this grooming behavior includes biting their nails or claws, which serves several purposes:

Maintaining Claw Length: Biting their nails helps cats control the length of their claws. Over time, a cat's claws can become too long, making it difficult for them to walk, climb, or retract their claws properly. Biting or chewing on their nails helps them keep the claws at a manageable length.

Removing Dead Claw Sheaths: Cats' claws are covered by a protective sheath, which grows continuously. As the outer sheath becomes old or damaged, cats will bite on their claws to remove the dead tissue, revealing the sharper, newer claw underneath.

Stress Relief: Cats may also bite their nails as a way to cope with stress or anxiety. Just like humans might engage in nail-biting when nervous, cats may do the same.

Marking Territory: Clawing surfaces can leave behind a cat's scent, as they have scent glands in their paw pads. This behavior can serve as a way for cats to mark their territory.

Play and Hunting Instinct: Biting and playing with their nails can mimic the motions involved in hunting and capturing prey. It helps keep their hunting skills sharp, even if they're just playing with their claws.

Entertainment: Cats often engage in nail-biting as a form of entertainment, especially if they lack other stimulating activities.

Comfort and Relaxation: Grooming rituals, including nail-biting, have a calming effect on cats, promoting relaxation and overall well-being.

Natural Reflex: Grooming, including nail-biting, is an automatic reflex triggered by a cat's internal body clock.

Temperature Regulation: Cats sweat through their paw pads. The act of biting their nails can help regulate body temperature by cooling them down.

Reducing Scratching Damage: By grooming their nails, cats prevent sharp tips that could lead to accidental scratches, benefiting both themselves and those around them.

It's worth noting that excessive nail biting in cats can be a sign of stress, boredom, or other health issues, so it's essential to monitor their behavior and seek advice from a veterinarian if you notice any concerning changes in your cat's grooming habits. Providing appropriate toys, scratching posts, and environmental enrichment can also help reduce stress and boredom, potentially reducing excessive nail-biting behavior.

Is It Normal For Cats To Bite Their Tails?

It's generally not a cause for concern if your cat occasionally bites its nails as part of their grooming routine. However, there are certain situations when nail-biting behavior in cats may warrant attention and potentially be a sign of an underlying issue. Here are some circumstances when you should be concerned and consider seeking advice from a veterinarian:

• Excessive Nail-Biting: If your cat is frequently or obsessively biting its nails, it may be a sign of stress, anxiety, or discomfort. Excessive nail biting can lead to irritation, inflammation, or even infection in the paws.
• Visible Signs of Pain or Discomfort: If you notice your cat favoring one paw, limping, or showing signs of pain while biting its nails, it could indicate an injury, infection, or other medical problem.
• Bleeding or Swollen Nails: Bleeding or swollen nail beds can be a sign of injury, infection, or an ingrown nail. If you see any of these symptoms, it's essential to have your cat examined by a veterinarian.
  
• Changes in Behavior: If your cat's nail-biting behavior is accompanied by other behavioral changes, such as increased aggression, hiding, or avoiding normal activities, it could indicate an underlying health or emotional issue.
• Hair Loss or Skin Irritation: Nail-biting, along with excessive grooming, may lead to hair loss or skin irritation in the affected areas. This could be due to a grooming-compulsive disorder or an underlying medical condition.
      
• Persistent Scratching or Licking in Addition to Nail-Biting: If your cat is biting its nails along with excessive scratching, licking, or chewing on other parts of its body, it might be dealing with allergies, fleas, and other parasites or other skin issues.
        

If you notice any of the above signs or any other concerning changes in your cat's behavior, it's best to schedule a visit to the veterinarian. The vet will be able to perform a thorough examination, assess your cat's overall health, and determine the underlying cause of the nail-biting behavior. Early detection and treatment of any health issues can prevent further complications and discomfort for your feline friend.

How To Stop Cats From Biting Nails?

If your cat's nail-biting behavior is occasional and not causing any harm or discomfort, there may be no need to address it, as it's likely part of normal grooming. However, if you are concerned about excessive nail-biting or if your cat's behavior is causing issues like irritation or injury, here are some steps you can take to address the problem:

• Regular Nail Trimming: Keeping your cat's nails trimmed can help prevent overgrowth, reducing the need for excessive biting. Use cat-specific nail clippers or a grinder designed for pet nails, and be careful not to cut into the quick (the blood vessel inside the nail). If you are unsure about trimming your cat's nails, consult with a veterinarian or a professional groomer for guidance.
  
• Environmental Enrichment: Provide your cat with a stimulating and enriching environment to reduce stress and boredom. Interactive toys, scratching posts, puzzle feeders, and playtime with you can help keep your cat mentally and physically engaged, reducing the likelihood of stress-related behaviors.
• Scratching Posts: Offer multiple scratching posts throughout your home. Cats use scratching as a way to mark their territory and to maintain their claws. Providing appropriate scratching surfaces can redirect their behavior away from nail-biting and help keep their claws in good condition.
• Stress Reduction: If you suspect that stress or anxiety is contributing to your cat's nail-biting behavior, try to identify and address the source of stress. Creating a calm and safe environment for your cat, providing a consistent routine, and using pheromone sprays or diffusers (like Feliway) can help reduce stress.
• Consult with a Veterinarian: If you're concerned about your cat's nail-biting or if you notice any signs of discomfort, injury, or other health issues, it's essential to seek advice from a veterinarian. The vet can perform a thorough examination, diagnose any underlying problems, and recommend appropriate treatment.
  
• Distraction Techniques: If you catch your cat biting its nails, gently redirect its attention to a toy or interactive activity. Engaging your cat in play or providing treats during these moments can help shift their focus away from nail-biting.

Remember, every cat is different, and the reason for nail-biting can vary. Patience and observation are essential in understanding your cat's behavior and addressing any potential issues. If you're unsure about how to address your cat's nail biting or if it continues to be a concern, don't hesitate to seek professional advice from a veterinarian or an animal behaviorist.

Final Thoughts:

If you observe your cat biting its tail excessively or notice any signs of discomfort, swelling, redness, hair loss, or changes in behavior, it's crucial to take your cat to a veterinarian for a thorough examination. The veterinarian can determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment. What’s more, providing our adorable cats with accompany and love is also a way to keep them healthy.