flaking/splitting claws

Question
Hi Karen,

Thanks for your help so far!

I have only noticed recently (about two weeks ago) that the claws have been splitting, and I have not noticed it getting either better or worse in this time. They appear to be flaking away from the outside (but severely - right down to the root of the claw) in most, but in two of them the claws have actually split part way down the middle (along the length of the claw). Both of these things only occur in her front paws, the back ones appear to be much more healthy.

The reasoning behind the milk was to give her extra calcium in her diet (along side her current typical feed of wet+dry iams and water), she now has a small amount of whiskas milk with her morning feed.

What benefit does clipping have on 'longitudinal' splitting and flaking? Or is this as an alternative to scratching? And if so how do we stop her scratching?!

Thank you again,

Kirk



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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
I have recently noticed that our 8 month old kitten's claws have started splitting and flaking. It does not appear to cause her any discomfort, but she is continually getting things caught in them and if they continue to split so badly I can only see it as being a matter of time before one splits away completely, or it starts to affect her paws...

She has only been out for about a month, and has always scratched a post(/my bloody sofa!) as normal. The only change I have made so far is adding milk as a regular addition to her diet, rather than an occasional treat. Am I on the right lines or is there something else I should be doing?
-----Answer-----
Hi Kirk,
I need a little more info on the type of splitting that is going on. Sometimes the claws will shed an outer layer when she scratches on a post. Does this shedding or splitting happen all the time? Does it happen to all the claws or just certain ones? You might want to trim her claws yourself to see if that helps. If you can, describe it a little more in detail to me.

As for the milk, keep that for a special treat or better yet give canned evaporated milk,(sweetened, condensed milk is different, don't give that). It's easier for them to digest. But give just a little bit, a tablespoon or so.

Hope this helps a little. Get back to me.

Cheers, Karen


Answer
Hi Kirk,
Thanks for the extra info. Whiskas milk is just fine. One of mine will do backflips to get this stuff.

Nail splitting on most cats is just them shedding the old sheath for the new nail underneath. You usually can see the new nail underneath. Trimming the cats' nail regularly helps prevent this. You can get some of those cardboard box material type of scratchers to help rid the nails of outer sheath.On most cats this is no problem.

If the shedding is as bad as you are describing, it sounds like something a vet should check out. It could be a fungal or bacterial infection of the nail bed. If the vet rules out both have him show you how to trim the nails. They should be done about every two weeks. They will help your cat and your sofa will thank you.

Let me know what happens.

Cheers, Karen