Hi,

I have a beautiful 4 1/2 month old kitten. Recently I've noticed that when she's cleaning her paws, she often bites and pulls at her claws. The other day, I found the tip of one - it looked like it wasn't the whole tip, but maybe a top layer (if claws have layers??).

I've never had cats before, but one of my friends who has had many said none of hers ever did this. I just wanted to check if this was normal?

Hi there and welcome to the forum. Lovely to have you with us.

Chewing their claws when grooming is very common among many cats. Their claws may get a bit dirty so the cat will chew, bite and lick them clean whilst grooming. Cats also have a top layer on their claws - think of the way a snake sheds it skin - well the cats claws are a bit similar to this. Scratching posts help to remove this top layer and that can be why you have found bits lying around.

All four of mine chew and bite and I am always finding claw-shaped bits lying on the floor. It is nothing to worry about.

__________________
.

what she said!

__________________
please look at my website - www.finesthourcats.webs.com - for gorgeous GCCF registered RagaMuffins and Selkirk Rex

Hi and welcome to the madhouse.As MoggyBaby says its normal for cats/kittens to chew on their claws.They do shed a layer often when using a scratch post ect,so nothing to be concerned about finding the odd bit of claw lying around.

__________________

Spartacus pulls her claw sheaths off too... the only problem is they are in the middle of the floor and can hurt if you step on them!!!!

__________________


My babies are my furries. This does NOT make me a crazy cat lady. Honest

Thank you for your replies! My friend's been my cat guru (her family has adopted many waifs and strays over the years...) so was slightly worried when she thought it was weird - but glad to know it's not! Having never been a cat person before, I've completely fallen for Caoimhe and become a major worrier!!

No problem, glad to help. Feel free to ask ANY questions you have, there will always be someone here with the knowledge you require.

We DO have a fee for the information tho'......... You need to post up piccies of your little fur-baby for us all to coo and swoon over................

__________________
.

I have found this forum so useful since deciding to get a kitten. Here's a couple of pics of my baby

Attached Images

	baby caoimhe.jpg (92.1 KB, 17 views)
	IMG_0115.jpg (78.4 KB, 17 views)
	IMG_0117.jpg (67.1 KB, 16 views)

Aww bless, she's gorgeous

__________________

Thank you so much for prompt payment for advice given .She is absolutely gorgeous.Not wishing to be picky ,but,does she have a name .(or have I missed it )

__________________