Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Already a member? Sign in
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Why are multiple claws growing from my declawed cat's swollen paw?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Ragdoll | Male | 5 years and 10 months old | 17 lbs

Mhm mom got my cat declawed about three years ago, haven’t had any problems until about two days ago. We noticed one of his toe pads was swollen & infected. Thought there was a foxtail in it, pulled on it, & our came a thin claw. Soaked his paw, then today I noticed another white tip so I pulled that one out, and eventually pulled out five others from the SAME toe pad/opening in his toe. There are three more claws in this opening that are harder to remove. Why are there 10 claws In his one toe?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Amy S. Eutsey, DVM

Answered By Amy S. Eutsey, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 16th, 2018

Hello. It appears that Calvin’s surgery was incomplete. A portion of the nail bed must still remain and nail tissue is growing. You will have to have your veterinarian go back in surgically and remove the nail bed tissue that was left behind. If this is not taken care of, he will continue to grow new toenail tissue and will be at risk for constant infection and discomfort.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Training & Behavior
My cat was just declawed. Are his paws infected? Litter sticking?
The pictures came out blurry so I am not able to see the surgical sites very well. If the toe pads look more red than the big/main pad, if there is any discharge, or if Simba seems more painful than expected, then it is possible there could be an infection. Since this was a recent surgery, I would call the vet to see if you can pop in for a quick look.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My cat isn't using her paw after declawing. What should I do?
It is still quite early to see a 100% bounce back to full use of the declawed paws. Sometimes it may take several weeks to see a full recovery. I would ensure that you have plenty of pain medications and if not, contact your veterinarian so that more can be prescribed. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Training & Behavior
My cat has an extra nail on his paw pad. What's the best treatment?
Yes, I would discuss surgical removal with your vet. It is likely causing pain when he is walking. It will be interesting to see the x-ray of his paw! Simply trimming it down won't help much, he needs to have the nail and the associated bone removed to prevent continued growth.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
Why is my declawed cat scratching? Can claws grow back after declaw?
If it was done incorrectly, then yes they can. They Odten barely protrude from the nail bed and often grow circular under the skin and is very painful. They also get calluses on the tips of their pads. Your vet can check to see which is the cause
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My kitten's declawed paw is swollen and red. Is this normal?
This is absolutely not normal, and Francesca needs to see a vet immediately. Those toes could be infected, and she needs veterinary attention right away. Please bring her into an ER vet or find a vet on call to see her now.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My cat's paw nail is damaged and swollen. When should I see a vet?
It looks like your cat’s toenail has been sheared off, probably from an injury, fight or being hit by a car. My best recommendation is to take your car to the vet where they will be able to fully clean the area around the nail, trim the nails if necessary, and give your cat an antibiotic and pain medication if needed. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My cat has something embedded in its paw. Is it an emergency?
That appears to be an ingrown toe nail. The dewclaw nail can grow into a circle and into the paw pad. I would take it to the vet as soon as possible. This is very painful but also usually needs antibiotics due to infection.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Related Searches

Cat SuppliesCat FoodCat Nail CareCat Nail CapsCat Styptic PowderCat Nail Clippers & GrindersCat Health & WellnessCat ToysCat Dental CareCat Recovery Cones & Surgical SuitsCat First AidPain Meds & Arthritis Relief for CatsCat MedicineDewormer Treatments for CatsAntifungal Medication for CatsFlea & Tick Solutions for CatsCat Furniture & ScratchersCat Thyroid MedicationCat Urinary CareDog Nail Caps
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Share

Styled arrow button