Splitting Claws

Question
Hi,

I have two 7 month old kittens and recently checked their claws. I noticed they are dried and split at the ends, similar to a hair that has split ends. They are inside most of the day while we are at work and in the afternoon and evening they are outside playing before coming inside to sleep, so I don't want to restrict their 'outside time' to stop the splitting claws (which, I'm guessing, may be caused by climbing trees and so on?). I was wondering what would cause the splitting, how I can fix it, and if it's painful for the kittens...Thanks heaps, Laura xo

Answer
I am not in favor of allowing cats to run free. There are too many hazards in the street and/or the woods.
However, if you are allowing it, then you can trim the claws slightly to cut off the splits. It should not hurt unless the split goes underneath the line into the quick. This is the pink, meaty part. It would be just as if you broke your nail and it went into the quick. Treat it as necessary with antiseptic to prevent infection, if it does go into the quick.
Again, there are illnesses, parasites and stange animals, not to mention traffic, that can harm or kill kittens, so think this over carefully.

Regards,
Barb