Cat injured/tore a claw last night. Time to see a vet, or see if it heals on its own?

Hi there! I'm sorry to hear about your kitty's injured claw—it sure can be concerning to see something like that. Cats use their claws a lot, so injuries can happen while they're out exploring or even during playtime at home.



A torn claw could be due to catching it on something or a bit of roughhousing that got out of hand. The first thing to do is gently check the claw. Is there any bleeding, swelling, or redness around the area? These can be signs of infection or further damage. If the bleeding is minor, you can apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth to help it stop. Keep the area clean and try to prevent your furry friend from licking it, as this can introduce bacteria.



In the next few days, watch for signs that things aren’t improving: increased swelling, pus, or if your cat seems to be in pain and favoring the paw. If these occur, it's time to reach out to a vet, as these can indicate an infection or other complications.



While some minor injuries heal on their own, it’s a good idea to book a video consult with us at Dial A Vet. That way, we can visually assess the injury and offer personalized advice to ensure your cat gets the best care possible.