Why are my cat’s nails Brittle? 6 Common Reasons

Why are my cat’s nails Brittle: 1. Nutrient deficiency 2. Aging 3. Overgrown nails 4. Dehydration 5. Fungal infection 6. Underlying health issues.

Why are my cat’s nails Brittle?

Cats are known for sharp, healthy claws that help them climb, hunt, and defend themselves. So when your cat’s nails suddenly become brittle, cracked, or fragile, it is a clear sign something isn’t right.

Brittle nails aren’t just a grooming issue—sometimes they indicate deeper health problems, nutritional deficiencies, or infections that need attention.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the most common causes of brittle cat nails, symptoms you should watch for, and when it’s time to see a vet.

Quick Overview of Main Causes

Cause	What It Means	Warning Signs
Nutritional Deficiency	Lack of essential vitamins like biotin and protein	Dull coat, low energy
Trauma or Injury	Nail damage due to snagging or rough scratching	Limping, bleeding
Fungal Infection	Nail discolouration and brittle texture	Yellow nails, swelling
Allergies	Inflammation around nail beds	Constant licking
Ageing	Natural thinning of nails in senior cats	Slow nail growth
Poor Nail Care	Nails growing too long and breaking	Overgrown claws

1. Nutritional Deficiencies

A poor diet is one of the most common reasons behind brittle claws. Cats need a diet rich in animal protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals to maintain healthy nails.

What deficiency causes brittle nails?
Low levels of biotin, zinc, and amino acids weaken the keratin structure of the nail, causing peeling or breaking.

Signs of nutrient deficiency:

• Dull, rough coat
• Low appetite
• Dry skin
• Slow nail growth

If your cat’s food is low-quality or plant-based, switching to a high-protein, vet-approved diet is essential.

2. Trauma or Nail Injury

Sometimes the reason is simple: your cat injured its nail. Many cats get their claws caught in carpets, blankets, furniture, or scratching posts.

When the nail bends or tears, it becomes weaker and more likely to split.

Signs of nail trauma:

• Sensitivity when touching the paw
• Limping
• Blood around the nail
• Nails grow in an odd shape afterwards

If you notice swelling or bleeding, a vet visit is recommended.

3. Fungal or Bacterial Infection

Infections around the nail bed can significantly weaken the nail’s structure. Fungal infections like ringworm or yeast infections can discolor the nails and make them brittle.

Symptoms of fungal infection:

• Yellow, brown, or flaky nails
• Swollen nail bed
• Mild oozing or discharge
• Excessive licking

These infections don’t go away on their own and require antifungal treatment.

4. Allergies and Skin Issues

Cats with environmental or food allergies may develop inflammation around their nails (paronychia). This inflammation weakens the nail root, making the claws thin and breakable.

Common allergy triggers:

• Dust mites
• Pollen
• Household cleaning chemicals
• Certain cat foods

Your cat may constantly lick or chew at their paws, worsening nail damage.

5. Ageing

As cats age, their keratin production naturally slows down. Senior cats often have nails that grow slower but break more easily.

Signs ageing is the cause:

• Your cat is over 10 years
• Nails grow thicker or curve more than usual
• Difficulty retracting claws

Older cats also groom less, leading to neglected nail care.

6. Poor Nail Care or Lack of Scratching Options

If your cat’s nails grow too long, they become more prone to splitting. Cats naturally maintain their claws by scratching, but if they don’t have enough scratching surfaces, the nails stay long and unhealthy.

Causes of poor nail maintenance:

• No access to scratching posts
• Owner not trimming nails regularly
• Indoor cats with less natural nail wear

Long nails can curl and dig into the paw pads, causing further damage.

How to Strengthen Your Cat’s Nails

Brittle nails are often treatable with lifestyle changes.

Improve Diet Quality

Choose a vet-recommended high-protein diet containing:

• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Biotin
• Zinc
• Taurine

Add Nail-Strengthening Supplements

Biotin supplements are commonly prescribed to boost keratin production.

Provide Proper Grooming

Regular nail trimming every 2–4 weeks helps prevent accidental tearing.

Offer Multiple Scratching Posts

Materials like sisal, cardboard, and wood help naturally strengthen claws.

Treat Underlying Conditions

If caused by infections or allergies, your vet will prescribe medication accordingly.

When to See a Vet

Visit the vet if you notice:

• Bleeding or pus
• Nail breaking repeatedly
• Discoloration (yellow or brown)
• Persistent swelling
• Sudden change in nail structure

Sudden brittle nails can also signal underlying thyroid, autoimmune, or hormonal issues.

FAQs

1. Are brittle nails in cats serious?

Yes, because they often indicate nutritional deficiencies, infections, or underlying medical problems.

2. Can dry weather cause brittle cat nails?

Yes. Low humidity can dry out the nail bed, especially in indoor heated environments.

3. Does over-trimming cause brittle nails?

Not brittle nails, but improper cutting can cause cracks or splits.

4. Can worms or parasites cause brittle nails?

Indirectly, yes. Parasites can cause malnutrition, which affects nail strength.

5. Do cats need supplements for healthy nails?

Not always. A balanced, high-quality diet is usually enough unless your vet recommends biotin or omega-3 supplements.