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Cat has blood under nail, no vet. Can I prevent infection at home?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 7 years and 1 month old | 7 lbs

Hi! I just noticed this about 15 minuets ago, She wont let me touch her feet (She never has.) But I noticed when my cat was sitting down that there was a small blood stain on her white fur just above her claws so I picked her up, and seen she has blood beneath the nail, it doesn't seem to affect her **She walking normally, running ext** I don't have the money right now for a vet, is there a risk of infection or anything else serious if I just wash it when shes asleep with warm water?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Anna M., DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 17th, 2017

You can wash it with mild soapy water (dawn dish soap works well) if she'll let you, and then monitor the nail bed for redness, swelling, or discharge that would indicate infection. If she won't let you wash it, she will likely clean it herself. Mild nail bed injuries often resolve just fine on their own, but do watch for evidence of infection which would require a trip to the vet. Hope this helps.

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    Answered By Amy Poole, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Without looking at her foot it's really impossible to tell if the wound is a problem or not. She could have broken her toe nail at the base and has blood under the nail as a result. If it is not actively bleeding and see is not painful when you touch it, I would clean it with warm water and a mild soap and see if you can get a better look at the area to see if there is a wound. I would monitor for swelling and redness around the nail base as well, as this can indicate infection. With cats and foot/nail injuries, I do get concerned about infection because they go in litter boxes and can get debris in their nails as a result. If it is not improving or looking worse, I do think you should take her in to your vet when you are able to have her evaluated.

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