My cat's nail bled after trimming. Is licking it a risk for infection?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Tonkinese | Male | neutered | 5 years and 4 months old | 11 lbs
I was trimming my cat's claws, and he yanked his paw from the clippers. It still cut the nail, but the layers were stripped, leaving it red and bloody. I stopped the bleeding, and cleaned it the best I coyld with peroxide. But no bandage due to his skittish nature. He doesnt appear to be in pain or distress, but he has been licking it. Is it at rish of infection?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on November 18th, 2018
There is a small risk of infection. Monitor the nail and if the paw or pad or the area around the nail starts to swell, have your veterinarian examine it. If you could keep Toews from licking it, it would speed up healing. An e-collar would greatly help there.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on October 20th, 2017
Ouch! It looks like the nail might have gotten caught and torn out, causing the wound you are seeing. As cat wounds can become easily infected, especially if they lick at it, it is a good idea to have a vet take a look at it and prescribe antibiotics to help it heal. They can also make sure the nail bed and any surrounding tissue is OK as well. Until you can get to your vet, keeping it clean and dry and using an Elizabethan (cone) collar to keep Kiara from licking it is best.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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