Black Cat Nails

Black cat nails may be due to contamination by dirt or caused by fungal infections, interdigital inflammation, or blood stains caused by injuries. Here are some suggestions on how to deal with this issue:

Clean the nails

First, try cleaning the cat's nails. If the black substance in the nails can be washed off, it means it's dirt. Clean the cat's nails thoroughly. If the black substance can't be washed off or the cat has other symptoms, such as redness, ulceration, etc., it's recommended to take the cat to a pet hospital for examination and diagnosis before treatment.

Dirt

If the owner doesn't regularly clean the cat's litter box, it may become dirty. When the cat uses the litter box, it may step in some dirt and get its nails dirty. This is not a big problem. The owner can first trim the cat's nails, then use a toothbrush or brush dipped in pet shampoo, soap, or toothpaste to gently remove the dirt on the cat's nails, and rinse with clean water. In addition, the owner should also pay attention to keeping the living environment clean, regularly changing the litter, and washing the litter box frequently to prevent the cat's nails from getting dirty when digging in the litter.

Fungal Infection

If the cat has symptoms such as itching, local hair loss, dandruff, and crusting on the feet, in addition to black nails, it may be a fungal infection. As fungi are contagious, it's recommended to isolate the cat and consult a pet doctor for medication treatment. Generally, antifungal drugs containing ketoconazole and terbinafine are used.

Interdigital Inflammation

If the cat has symptoms such as redness, swelling, and pus discharge between the toes, it could be interdigital inflammation. This usually occurs due to incorrect care by the owner, such as letting the cat play on damp grass without drying its toes with a dry towel, which leads to skin disease and eventually develops into interdigital inflammation. It is recommended to take the cat to a pet hospital for examination and treatment, clean the wounds daily, spray medication, and strictly wear an Elizabeth collar to prevent the cat from licking the wounds.

Blood Stains Caused by Injuries

There is a blood line in the nail head of a cat. If it gets hit or stepped on by a heavy object, it may cause bleeding. The longer the bleeding lasts, the darker the nail becomes. If the owner finds that the cat has a strong sense of pain and doesn't let anyone touch it, it's very likely that the cat's claw is injured and causing blood stains. This situation may cause nail necrosis and potentially lead to purulent inflammation, so it's recommended to take the cat to a pet hospital for treatment.