My cat's nail is hanging funny. Should I take her to the vet?

Question

Hello, my 10 year old cat came up and we realized that her nail is hanging funny off of her right middle toe. It is still attached. We have not removed the nail yet. Do you have any suggestions?

Stacey Anstaett, DVM · Accepted Answer

Is it painful? Is she limping? Have you seen her licking at it? I am suspicious by your description that she may have broken the toenail by snagging it on something, but the pictures don't really reflect that; in the picture I am not appreciating the abnormality. If she is acting normally, using the paw, and its not obviously cracked or bleeding, it may be that she just carries that toe a little differently; she may have damaged a tendon at some point, or something that has led that toenail to be a little different. If there is any blood, obvious crack in the nail, inflammation (redness and or swelling) at the nail base when you compare it to the other toenails, make an appointment with your vet in the next couple of days. In the meaning, just clean it with some plain water and mild soap, and leave it alone until your vet can examine it. Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

My cat's nail is hanging funny. Should I take her to the vet?

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