Pet Service Announcement: Check your cat's dew claws!

[Flaxbee]

It had never occurred to me that this might happen, but our big male Ivan just had this problem - his dew claw on his right paw curled around and grew into the paw pad. Poor baby! It hadn't grown into the pad very far (I usually check our cats' feet - but hadn't really much lately) and we were able to easily clip the tip and all was well, but if it had grown in much further a trip to the vet would have been called for.

Ivan scratches plenty - we have several cardboard scratchers and he goes for the wooden beams down in the basement, but dew claws don't get much action, and I think in older cats (he's 10), this happens more often.

So - just check your kitties' claws somewhat regularly.

End of PSA.

(Cross-posted in Lounge)

[Hoyt]

1. Good point. If I go too long between trimming, that thing really is long, curved, and sharp.

[Flaxbee]

4. I know - Ivan's claws are so damn sharp; I'm sure it was not

comfortable for him, though at least I caught it before it got buried too deep.

[dixiegrrrrl]

2. Same with doggies.

I check all feets on all fur kids once a month when they get their flea treatment.

[Flaxbee]

3. excellent habit.

I'll do the same thing.

[Curmudgeoness]

5. Very good suggestion.

Thanks for reminding us.

Hi, my friend. Hope all is well, Flaxbee.

[Flaxbee]

6. Hey there, Curmudgeoness

I'm well; waiting for some news this week about a big project.

How are you and Sammy boy?

Looking forward to fall, which is always beautiful. But - sigh - that means cold cold winter will follow

[Curmudgeoness]

7. Sammy and I are doing fine.

He is getting much more lovey-dovey lately with the days of chilly temps.

I hate fall, not because it isn't a wonderful and beautiful time, but because it reminds me that winter is on the way.....ruins all the good things about fall.

Good luck with that project!

[Bertha Venation]

8. Our Harry had this problem, but not with his dew claw

One of his front claws grew into the pad a few times. I was a bad cat mom and wasn't very diligent about clipping his claws.