Cats lost his claw

[Liziik22]

My cat Seb is 3 and this morning I have noticed he has lost a claw, completely lost it (it's the 'thumb' claw the inside one). Just a pink/red stub is left (atleast that's as much as I can see before he wriggles away!) it's not bleeding, he can still walk/play and is using his scratching post. I've spoken to the receptionist at the vets and she said to wash it 2/3 times a day with salt water and if he shows signs of being unhappy then make an appointment. I was just wondering if anyone has any experience of this? And is there anything I can do more to help? And of course will it grow back?

He used to be an indoor cat but was having frequent urine infections from the stress of not being able to go out. So I can't keep him in as the urine infection could be worse then a missing claw.

Any advice greatly received

Thank you!

[bobbys girl]

It really doesn't sound too bad if it is not bothering him. But if you are worried it would put your mind at rest to let the vet see him.

[Liziik22]

I have managed to get a picture. Sorry it's a little blurry but I'm on my own and he's a wriggly cat! Does it look like the claw has come off? It's hard to tell because I don't know what a cat with no claws looks like!

[Liziik22]

Thank you bobbys girl sorry I only just seen your reply after I had uploaded the picture.

It's not bothering him at all from what I can tell. He's his usual self at the moment

[bobbys girl]

He might just have snagged it on something. He should be OK. Just keep an eye on it.

[meriad]

maybe call the vet and ask if you can email that photo to them? It looks as though the main part of the claw is still there so will regrow fairly soon; so the advice given by the vet so far to bathe in salt water is fairly spot on and I don't think there is much more they can do really. if he were in discomfort then yes you could go for pain meds but if he's fine in all other ways?

Interesting photo though; well done getting that one. My Monty has this constant on / off limp on his one paw. He's been to the vet for it a few times and they can't see much so I suspect it's a soft tissue injury that he keeps jarring whenever he jumps down something. Same as your Seb, Liziik22, Monty hates being confined so there is only so much we can do. But after seeing this I'm determined to do a full claw count on him; he usually manages to get away and all huffy by the time I get to claw 3

[Liziik22]

Thank you!
I have to say I caught him in a soppy mood half asleep outside and when he's like that he's pretty easy going! His brother on the other hand is a nightmare so I'm glad it's not him as I would not stand a chance trying to get a picture! And I would probably have needed medical treatment myself!
He's absolutely fine at the moment in himself I can touch the area and he doesn't flinch there's no swelling or lumps or anything so just going to see how it goes It's just making sure he's not licking the area too much that's difficult!

Meriad I hope montys mysterious limp gets better and you can get to the bottom of it!

Thank you for your advice it's much appreciated!