My cat tore a nail. Can I wait to clean dried blood from her paw?

It's hard to tell from the pictures exactly where the wound is and if it involves the claw itself. I would soak her paw in warm water (you can use a little epsom salts if you have it) to loosen the scab, then you can gently clean it with a warm wet washcloth. If you find that there is bleeding, then apply gently pressure for 15 minutes. Don't apply any topical medications as Luna will just lick them off. If the bleeding continues, or of the paw swells, or if there is a creamy or foul discharge, then she may need to go to the vet for examination and antibiotics.

She probably got the nails stuck on a blanket or something and they got ripped. I doubt a tussle with the other cat would do that but I guess it's possible. If it is not bothering her it is best to just leave it alone for now. Monitor her for any worsening by looking at it once a day and keep her nails trimmed to prevent this from happening again! Great question!

If it currently bleeding you can use some corn starch to help slow the bleeding. Also if you are able to place a light bandage on it to prevent him from licking it tonight that would be good. You can also use a cone collar which you can find at your local pet store if it is still open. I would take him to your vet first thing in the morning for an exam. He may need to have it cleaned, medicated and professionally wrapped. Your vet will also be able to provide antibiotics and pain meds if need. If it is profusely bleeding then I would take him to your local emergency clinic for attention tonight. I hope this helps!

Poor Kitty. Try to apply gentle pressure to stop the bleeding. Put an Ecollar on her to keep her from licking it, as that can make it worse. You can make one at home or buy one at a pet store. Having her seen by a vet tomorrow is a good idea.

Hi and thanks for your request. The area can be clean to remove the dried blood with some salt water solution and then the new nail can be left growing by itself. Licking should be discouraged by applying a buster collar. The new nail should not have particular problems growing and eventually will displace the old one. From the pic I can see where you cut it, and it seems fine. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

ALthough stitching is the fastest way to heal wounds (5-7days) as it helps sealing of the edges together in the correct alignment, most small flesh wounds such as this will heal over 3-4weeks if kept clean and infection is avoided. You must monitor closely for any heat, swelling or pain which may indicate infection requiring further treatment

Poor girl. This happens even to the best nail trimmers. He only thing that will successfully stop a bleeding nail every time is an over the counter Kwik Stop styptic powder from your local pet store. It is good that it has stopped bleeding; however, I would pick up some of this powder from the store first thing in the morning. Otherwise, place newspaper in the litter box tonight and monitor it until you go to bed. A light bandage can also be tried; however, cats in particular won't allow a bandage to stay in place. Hopefully things have stabilized for now and she will continue to do well until morning. Most of these nail bleeding situations are fine and don't result in serious complications (i.e. anemia). Best wishes and take care.