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My cat is chewing his paw. Is that painful growth on his toe serious?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 5 years and 6 months old | 5.7 lbs

Hi, my 5y/o neutered tom, Oscar, seems to have part of a claw growing from the "pinky" toe-pad on his left front paw. I have noticed him chewing this paw over the last few weeks but didn't look at it til I trimmed his claws tonight. It seems painful for him to walk on but he hasn't shown it to affect him much. The growth has the consistency of a soft baby nail, but I can't pull it out (I tried gently to do so). I am very worried.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Emily, DVM

Answered By Emily, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 17th, 2017

This could be a keratinized horn or keratinized cyst. They can be painful and rarely associated with a viral infection. Oscar should get this checked out by his veterinarian who may be able to remove it, check the area for infection and discuss the possiblity of it coming back with you.
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