Kitten split paw? What to do?

Question

He doesn't seem to be in any pain and is behaving as normal but it looks like it could be painful. I cut his claws with proper nail clippers a few days ago (he's 4 months). When he's sleepy he's happy for me to press and stroke his paws so I've had a wee press at it and no reaction. Could he be hiding the pain?

He generally makes a real song and dance about getting his claw cut. I try to do it as quick as possible, avoiding the quick and cover his head loosely with a towel which calms his a little and feed him treats.

Although he yowls a bit when I do his back paws (the split paw is at the front) he seems totally fine the second I let him go. Is there anything I'm doing wrong?

Answer 1

get him to the vet.

Answer 2

Split paw? Do you mean the claw? I know when i clip my cats claws they may split or crack a bit.

Is that what you're talking about? That doesn't require a vet and will correct itself. I realized that the clippers we use are better than the ones you buy at the pet store.  

Answer 3

when you cut claws you should cut to far down as they can get irritated and bleed just trim the edge especially if they move around a lot.  animals tend not to hide pain if something hurts they wil complain.

If its just a little cut to the paw i would use boiled and cooled salted water and a cotton wool pad (not ball as it could get bits stuck in his paw) everyday if not morning and night for a few days after about maybe 4 days if theres not improvement take him to the vets.

Answer 4

You need to take him to the vet. If this becomes infected (which as you say it looks painful it could well be already) he could lose part or all of his leg not to mention that if he is in pain then it really is not fair to leave him like that. It is better to know, than to regret.

Answer 5

It sounds to me like you are doing pretty good trimming kitties claws. Just try to pay attention to where you are going to clip. Try hard to avoid skin or his pads too. I'm sure he will be okay. But, for your peace of mind you might want to contact your veterinarian to see if it could be serious or not. They can advise you best in this situation.

Answer 6

cats do tolerate pain , and can hide it well

but if you are in a doubt take it to the pet.

Answer 7

It's best to pop along to the vets.  I have 2 mogs, one of them cut her back leg jumping down from a wall (a neighbour decided to cement broken glass to the top of the wall my cat used to like to sit on, cat jumped on wall, shredded feet, fell to the ground and broke her teeth).

Although she wasn't in noticable pain, the vet gave her an antibiotic shot - this made her very very sleepy and lethargic for a few days - and a few days later, she was back to have the damaged tooth out.

The fact he yowls when you do the back paws means he's putting more weight on the front - damaged - paw.