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Why Does My Cat Bite My Acrylic Nails?

If your cat has a habit of biting your acrylic nails you may be wondering why its happening…

Why Does My Cat Bite My Acrylic Nails?

Cats quickly can become obsessed with licking and biting their owner’s fingers and acrylic nails. If you find that your cat is biting your nails, this is typically a sign that your cat is either trying to groom you, play with you, give you a “love bite,” or is bored and under-stimulated.

So, now you know. But, do they prefer when your nails are just done? Is this behavior normal? What can I do to prevent it from happeing? Keep reading to get these answers, and much more…

Do cats become more interested in freshly attached acrylic nails?

If you’ve just visited the salon to acquire a new set of acrylic nails, you may have noticed your cat’s keen interest in your new “claws.” If you see your cat biting or attacking your acrylic nails, it might be because they want attention, is giving you a love bite, is grooming you or is teething.

If your cat tries to groom you by biting your acrylic nails, it often indicates a high level of trust. Cat’s groom themselves by licking or biting their claws, and they imitate this behaviour in humans they care about. Kittens may bite your nails when they are young because they assume this is where they must nurse.

What Are Acrylic Nails?

Acrylic nails are composed of a liquid monomer and a powder polymer combined to form a paste bonded to your natural nail. It is then formed into the desired shape and hardened to improve the strength, length, and thickness of the nail.

Acrylic nails have recently made a resurgence as a result of a mix of Instagram and celebrities. Acrylics are fantastic for lengthening and strengthening your nails, but they may also provide a bigger, more consistently shaped canvas for those who prefer elaborate manicure designs.

Is It Normal for Cats to Chew on Plastic?

Chewing plastic can be a totally normal activity for your cat to partake in. Adult cats may prefer to chew on specific materials, such as plastic, which can help relieve mouth pain. Some cats are more adventurous than others, and they may lick or bite plastic things to see what happens.

If the item makes a pleasant noise or tastes good, they will continue. Plastic shopping bags are frequently coated, and this coating attracts cats because it tastes pleasant to them.

How Can I Prevent My Cat from Biting my Acrylic Nails?

When a cat begins to do something like chew on your fingernails, cat toys or treats are an excellent way to redirect its interest. Many cats will react to particular triggers that may cause them to flee. This can even be something as basic as a moving mouse toy on the ground.

Why Does My Cat Like Biting My Fingernails?

There are several reasons why your cat may enjoy biting your fingernails…

Your Cat Wants You to Play with Them

Cats will occasionally do anything to get your attention in order to play. If you have a kitten or a rambunctious younger cat, this is very certainly the case.

Your Cat May be Trying to Give You a “Love Bite”

Your cat may also be trying to communicate with you through “love bites.” As a display of affection, some cats bite or nibble. This can be grouped with purring, joy-rolling, and slow blinking.

Your Cat is Trying to Groom You

Your cat may simply be trying to groom you by biting your nails, which shows a high level of trust. Cat’s groom themselves by chewing their claws, and they mimic this behaviour in those they care about. Since artificial nails are essentially an extension of your nail, your cat may believe your nails have grown out of control and may want to help you straighten them out.

Your Cat Needs to Chew

Cats, like dogs, need to chew on objects. If your cat is teething or bored, it will feel compelled to bite on something. They’ll utilize your finger or artificial nail if it happens to be the most available object at the moment.

Is It Bad If My Cat Bites Their Nails?

Nail-biting behaviour in cats is expected, and a cat who nibbles its nails now and again is not likely to cause any harm. However, biting and chewing on nails, like any cat behaviour, may be pushed to extremes.

The most typical rationale behind your cat biting its nails is its intuitive and natural instinct. When a cat polishes its paws, some nail gnawing happens naturally.

To get rid of any filth that has accumulated in the region, your cat may chew on its paw pads and nails. Dirt can become caught between your cat’s paw pads, necessitating a little chewing effort to remove it.

However, after an injury, such as a broken nail or a cut to his paw, or an illness, like a yeast infection, your cat may begin to chew on his nails incessantly. If your cat lets you inspect their paw, you might be able to notice these problems. If not, take your cat to the vet, who will most likely be able to determine the cause of their excessive nail-biting.

Will A Chew Toy Help to Distract my Cat from Biting?

A chew toy is the greatest way to keep a cat from chewing your nails. A chew toy will be useful since it will divert the cat’s interest and allow it to gnaw on anything other than your acrylic nails.

The appeal of a chew toy is that it keeps your cat occupied during the day. Many cats become bored and begin to perform strange things, such as wanting to brush you all the time. Therefore, it is advisable to seek a solution that will allow your adventurous cats to chew on something neither hazardous nor irritating.

Do Some Cats like the Taste of Your Fingers?

Strangely, cats are often found licking their owners because they like the taste that they find on our skin. Your sweat can leave a sweet or salty residue on your skin that animals can smell or taste as it evaporates.

This comes as a result of ammonia and urea being formed when your body breaks down proteins from the meals you eat, and they end up in your sweat. Sugar and salts like sodium, chloride, and potassium are also found in sweat.

Some cats enjoy our inherent human ‘flavour,’ but the things we put on our bodies, like our lotion and creams can also make us more appealing to our feline companions.

Why Does My Cat Bite My Fingernails When I Sleep?

Since cats are nocturnal creatures, they may bite your fingers to get you to wake up and play with them. If you find your cat is continuously waking you through the night, try providing them with a cat tree or toys for stimulation to distract them from you.

Is Nail Polish Poisonous to Cats?

Dry nail polish flakes are usually not harmful, however, the acetone in wet nail paint can irritate your cat’s lungs if breathed and cause GI distress if some of the solution is ingested. If you suspect your cat has eaten any nail paint, keep an eye out for vomiting, coughing, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, or lethargy. If you see any of these symptoms, immediately take your cat to the vet.

The fumes from chemicals like varnish and paint remover may also be hazardous, so keep the cat out of the room while you use them and wait until the fumes have dissipated before allowing your cat back in.