Why Are My Cats Claws Brown?

by Zac
Why Are My Cats Claws Brown

Why are my cat’s claws brown? Cats have evolved their claws to serve various purposes. For instance, they can help a cat reach a tree trunk or seize prey. They can also help a cat scent-proof her surroundings by scratching dirt on a surface that has been defecated or urinated on.

Even cats that don’t rely on their claws for hunting and climbing can also maintain their claws’ cleanliness.

Cats Have Brown Claws

Can Cats Have Brown Claws?

Cats can have brown claws. Paronychia is a common disorder when a bacterial infection causes the skin on the underside of a cat’s claws to become inflamed and painful.

You can usually treat this condition with antibiotics. Although it can appear on only one or two claws, the pus can eventually turn into a thick and brown color on the nailbed.

If the disorder persists, fungus infection may have also developed. For instance, a type of fungus known as feline dermatophytosis can cause nail infections in an animal.

One of the most common feline claw-associated disorders is pemphigus foliaceus, an autoimmune disease that attacks the tissues in an animal’s nails and skin. It can cause severe inflammation and open wounds. If left untreated, this condition could lead to death.

Other conditions such as frostbite and chemical burns can also cause damage to the nail bed and underside of a cat’s claws. Usually, you can treat these with surgery or bandaging.

Aside from regular grooming, the owners of cats can also play a vital role in preventing their pets from developing these conditions. For instance, by carefully examining their claws, owners can detect signs of infection. If a cat’s nails are hard to see, it can be hard to tell if there is a discharge or dirt on them.


Why Do Cats Paws Turn Brown?

Cats’ paw pad comprises the colors of their coats. White cats, for instance, have pink pads, while black cats have grey pads. Cats with multi-colored fur, on the other hand, have varying paw pads.

The color of a cat’s skin and coat is due to the pigment found in its fur. Its fur has a lot of melanin as well. Since its skin is over fatty tissue, its pads are also the same color as a cat’s.

If your cat has acrofacial vitiligo, its black pads might turn pink. It could mean that the animal has lost its pigment.

This condition arises because of the loss of pigment in the skin. Although it’s rare, dark cat pads can still turn lighter. Other medical conditions can cause acrofacial vitiligo.

Vitiligo is a skin condition where white patches distribute over the body. In acrofacial vitiligo, the affected areas include the mouth, nose, and anus.

Pododermatitis is a type of skin condition that affects the plasma cells in the paw. It’s commonly referred to as a pillow foot because it looks like a pillow.

The affected plasma cells are known to produce antibodies that fight against inflammation or infection. According to experts, pododermatitis arises from an immunological condition.

The symptoms of this condition are as follows: Purplish tint to the paw pad appears mushy It takes on a balloon shape or pillow-like shape Cats can appear free from pain but will favor the unaffected foot.

If your cat has pododermatitis, you can determine if this condition causes it by performing a blood test. A biopsy is a choice to have to rule out other potential inflammation causes.

Read also: Can Bengal Cats Have White Paws?


How Do I Know if My Cat’s Paw Infected?

Although most people don’t think about their pets’ paw pads much, it’s important to note that they can provide insight into their health. There are a variety of problems that can affect their health.

There Are Cuts

Injuries to pets’ paws are not uncommon, especially when running and playing on different surfaces. It’s essential to clean wounds and prevent further damage by using an antimicrobial solution.

If a pet has deep cuts, it’s also essential to consult the veterinarian for treatment. Aside from dirt, foreign objects such as rocks and grass can also hide wounds.

Dry Paws

Pets are supposed to have rough pads to allow them to get traction on smooth surfaces. Still, they can also develop cracked or dry paw pads due to various factors such as exposure to rough surfaces, excessive licking, and extreme weather. Treating these wounds can be painful and put your pet at risk for infection.

Cracked/Distorted Nails

Most cats will never have an issue with their nails, but they can develop painful and ingrown conditions that lead to severe infections if you neglect them. One of the most common reasons why ingrown nails arise in pets with claws is that these animals touch the ground.

Ingrown nails usually require antibiotics and treatment with regular nail trimming. In severe cases, they may need to undergo operations. It’s essential to keep your pet’s nails short to prevent them from growing anymore.

Blisters

If it’s too hot outside to walk barefoot, keep in mind that it’s also too hot for your pet to do so. Even if your pet is not prone to getting burns, they can still suffer from these conditions, such as blistered or swollen paws. A veterinarian usually treats these conditions.


How Do You Treat an Infected Cat Claw?

Your veterinarian can identify the cause of your cat’s toenail infection and recommend treatment veterinarian usually treats these conditions and can help clear up the infection in just a couple of weeks.

Your veterinarian may prescribe immunosuppressive drugs if a blood test or culture shows that your animal has an underlying disease.

Getting your cat’s claws groomed regularly can help prevent its toenails from getting overgrown, but it can also cause an infection.

If your cat has a cut toe, apply silver nitrate or a sponge to the wound. If the infection persists, use a pinch of flour and cornstarch to treat the damage.

Although a scratching post can encourage your cat to keep its nails in good condition, it’s still essential to check its toenails regularly to prevent overgrowth.

Read also: The Best Way to Trim Cat Nails Safely


Signs That Your Cat’s Claws Have Issues

There are varying signs that a cat might be suffering from a claw problem. In some cases, the owner will only notice that the animal is unusually quiet and inactive, while in other cases, the animal might be limping or constantly licking its nails. The owner might also notice that its toe or nailbed is swollen and has caused pain.

Cat claws can be affected by various diseases, such as viral and bacterial infections, tumors, and traumatic injury. Although both male and female cats can get these types of conditions, the prevalence of these disorders varies depending on the breed.

Age can also be a factor that can increase the risk of developing a claw problem. For instance, older cats are more prone to breaking their claws due to their thick and fragile appearance. On the other hand, younger cats are more likely to get injured while playing with their owner.

Read also: Why Do Cats Shake Their Paws?


Conclusion

Why are my cat’s claws brown? There are various reasons for this, and one of them is abrasions or cuts. If your cat is prone to getting injured, it’s important to suspect that something is not right with its paws. One of the most important signs is when the animal repeatedly pays attention to its surroundings. If the condition worsens, it’s essential to consult a veterinarian.

You Might Also Like