Every once and awhile I find one of my cats nails on the floor. Just like you'd find a human's finger nail after you've cliped it. But, I don't clip my cats' nails. Is it normal for cats to lose their nails like this? Is it kind of like sheading or something? Or is it something I should worry about? Thanks!
--Tracy
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Cubbie and Gizmo's Mommy.
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Finding nails on the floor
octopusouphut
Nov 06, 2003 10:04 PM
Replies (3)
PHAbymom
Nov 07, 2003 12:47 AM
>>Every once and awhile I find one of my cats nails on the floor. Just like you'd find a human's finger nail after you've cliped it. But, I don't clip my cats' nails. Is it normal for cats to lose their nails like this? Is it kind of like sheading or something? Or is it something I should worry about? Thanks!
>>--Tracy
>>-----
>>Cubbie and Gizmo's Mommy.
>>Get back Honkey Cat!
Yes, cats shed their nail sheaths. I am not sure how often, but it is a fairly common occurrence. Clipping doesn't affect the shedding. The shedding of the sheaths is one of the reasons cats need to have surfaces to scratch on. Scratching and chewing are the ways they get rid of the old covering.
octopusouphut
Nov 07, 2003 01:57 PM
Good to know! Thanks 
They do have a scraching post, which goes unused in the cornor of the room. But they constantly sharpen their claws by clawing at the carpet. Good to know that it's nothing to worry about!
--Tracy
-----
Cubbie and Gizmo's Mommy.
PHAbymom
Nov 08, 2003 01:06 AM
>>Good to know! Thanks
>>They do have a scraching post, which goes unused in the cornor of the room. But they constantly sharpen their claws by clawing at the carpet. Good to know that it's nothing to worry about!
>>--Tracy
>>-----
>>Cubbie and Gizmo's Mommy.
>>Get back Honkey Cat!
Some cats do prefer a flat on the floor scratcher. I made one by taking a lumberyard stock shelf and covering it with a carpet remnant. As it is particleboard, it's heavy enough to stay put when it is being used as opposed to just a wood board which would be lighter in weight. Initially I placed the one I made over the spot on the carpet that the cat liked to work on. It seemed to do the trick, Sadie likes it!
