Are deformed cat claws that curl into pads common?

Question

We have a 11-12 week kitten that we believe is a munchkin (short front legs and growing very slowly - only 1.5 lbs vs 3.2 lbs brother). We went to trim her dew pad claws. After those claws we attempted to trim her other claws. All off her claws (front and back) seem to be growing towards or already touching her pads. I was only able to BARELY trim one or two of the claws - they are very short and very close to her pads. Our kitten NEVER seems to extend her claws and pressing on her pad does not extend her claws. We have a VET appt for this weekend. However, I'm just wondering if deformed and/or un-usable claws is a known issue. (Especially in munchkin cats).

I'm mostly concerned because she walks rather funny and not very far. I'm worried walking causes constant pain. I've never seen a kitten/cat that loved to be on back/sides so much.

P.S. My wife ask about this a few days ago. Now I'm just impatiently waiting for the Vet appt.

Answer 1

Ingrown claws occurs when you trim too far down into your cats claws (right near the pink tissue called the Ungual Process) or using the wrong shaped clipper which then alters the rejuvenation of the new claw and sometimes can cause the claw to incline more inwards causing them to be ingrown. Another reason for ingrown claws is when claws are not being clipped or worned down enough. So remember that especially for cats make sure you provide your furry little friends with a good quality cat scraching post and then nail clipping isn't required and you can therfore save some money. But otherwise try and get a proffessional to clip your cats claws with proffessional clipper set (not human nail cutters) unless you are thoroughly confident yourself and equipped with a claw clipper set. Be confident not to cut near the ungual process and clip well below it..all that is necessary is to blunt the little point right at the end of the claw.

Wish you best of luck!

Answer 2

Well the cat breed itself is a deformity. It was cruel what they did to those cats breeding them to be like that. I have herd they have joint problems more so then other cats.

Sadly the cat might need to be declared to prevent this problem. (which is also cruel)

I have a cat who has 8 toes on her front legs and she has one nail on each that grows and curls toward the pad of her foot. Rather then put her through the pain and trauma of declaring I have to keep it clipped.

Sadly our kitties are deformed and have problems we will have to deal with for years to come. So yes its normal for things like this to happen from time to time.

Good luck with your kitten

Answer 3

It happens. My cat of 8 years had two nails growing into her paws a month ago . We had to surgically remove them.

Good thing you noticed it soon! Just make sure you trim them once a month.

Answer 4

Maybe her nails just grow abnormally fast (unlike the rest of her! :P)

Actually, nails on every animal begin to curl inward as they grow. Just look up "long natural nails" on google images and you will see what I mean. It is pretty gross though, haha... watch out.

I'm glad you're going to the vet, you're right, it does sound like the kitty is in pain.

Answer 5

you might have to get the claws removed

Answer 6

No it's not normal, and that sounds painful.  I don't usually recommend a declaw, but please consult your vet about it.  Some vets will do it as young as three months.

Answer 7

My 6 toed cat has extra claws that do not retract... in fact you can hear her CLICKING across the floor.

They seem to be LARGER and when trimmed do not grow fast so they stay dull longer.

She MAY have a deformity...  

Most are against declawing  (lazer type) but this might be a case FOR it... but only as a last resort to make walking easier for her. (I would make sure it is the Lazer type of decalwing rather than removing the digets on the toes)

The vet may be able to tell what is happening and why.

good luck

Answer 8

That's really not normal, you should probably seek help for the little one if it is causing her that much pain, If a normal vet wont help try and take her to an Emergency vet, or try a groomer they might be able to get them trimmed down, or you should probably get the poor thing declawed. Hope this helps!!=)

Answer 9

This is not common and wild cats who are born like this would soon die.  Just wait for the vet appointment to see if they can do anything about the claws.  If the kitten is not walking properly, the claws are most certainly causing her constant pain.  The kitten may need to be declawed.