Why are my senior cat's nails missing, bleeding, and causing pain?

Question

I went to clip my cat’s nails, and he yowled and bit at me. I saw that I was trying to clip a nail that wasn’t there anymore! Bloody, just a hole. Then I see another one in the other (front) paw but this one is just a nub of nail flush with the nail bed. Then I go back and see he is actually missing another (the third now) on the first paw. He is in pain, understandably. What the heck is going on? He is a Persian cross, long haired orange and white big boy, almost 16 years old. Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 15 years and 10 months old | 15 lbs

Ana M, DVM · Accepted Answer

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Stitch. The nails can become brittle in older cats and come off more easily. This is especially true if he does a lot of scratching or climbing. There are also diseases such as autoimmune disorders and fungal problems that can affect the nail beds. It is best for him to see his veterinarian to determine the cause of his symptoms. I hope this information helps!

Why are my senior cat's nails missing, bleeding, and causing pain?

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