The Truth About Trimming a Cat's Claws and Why You Must Do It
Should you cut the cat's claws? Basically: No! Here you will learn when necessary, do it correctly, and prevent problems.
A happy and fulfilled cat life also allows our cats to use their most efficient weapon, the claws. To do this, they need to be sharpened regularly.
But you do not need to worry about that: Your velvet paw instinctively knows exactly how to do this. She sharpens her claws on trees, moves on hard ground, and wears them out in a natural way.
Only in a few cases, it is necessary to support our velvet paws a little and help nature: when the claws become too long.
When is it necessary to trim cats' claws?
It may be necessary to trim the cat's claws in some situations. However, this is only the case when your cat, for some reason, can no longer shed its claws by itself. According to various advisors, the following reasons may be decisive:
- The cat is too old and no longer moves enough.
- The cat is sick
- The cat is injured
Injuries often cause a kitty to be immobile for a while. Either she has to wear bandages, or she is prevented from her natural behavior by other protective measures.
- The cat could not shed its claws for other reasons
The animal has not had free run or access to its scratching facilities at home for a long time - perhaps due to surgery or an extended stay in the veterinary hospital.
- The cat's claws grow too fast.
Due to hyperthyroidism can be. The cat then does not keep up with the natural shedding of the claws.
Cut cat claws: How often is it necessary?
You only cut the claw when it is clearly too long, with few exceptions. You do not have to make it a regular activity. Observe your cat's behavior and react only when you recognize one of the behaviors described below.
When are the claws too long?
The cat's claws are too long when :
- you notice that the animal hurts itself during grooming.
- You see that the animal gets stuck on carpets, rugs, or bath mats by the pile or the threads.
- You can hear that your kitty walks on smooth floors like parquet, tiles, or laminate. This is usually only the case with dogs. Cats move silently because they can fully retract their cat claws.
Too long claws hinder cats' movement, which over time can lead to unnatural movement patterns and secondary musculoskeletal disorders. Cats could injure their fur or pads and cause themselves pain. In addition, the claws that are too long could break, get caught in tissues, split or even tear.
But don't worry too much right away! If you suspect that your pet's claws are too long, follow these tips from professional advisors: Watch how the animal moves. Does it sharpen its claws, do you hear a clicking sound when it moves, or do you notice minor injuries on the paws or pads? Only then should you really cut the cat's claws.
How to cut the claws of the cat?
All guides recommend a calm, stress-free approach. And that's exactly right, too. Wait for a relaxed moment when your cat is ready to extend her cat claws. Maybe she's lying on your lap and purring, or she's taking her digestive nap on the couch.
Of course, you should already have claw scissors or clippers ready somewhere, preferably where the animal does not (yet) register them. Maybe you put them in your pocket or under the table runner beforehand.
The more confidently and quickly you act, the better and less stressful the procedure will be for both of you. In any case, expect defensible behavior and be careful that the cat does not scratch you with its claw while cutting. She usually will only do this if you are too rough or hurt her.
Hold the paw with gentle pressure from above and below, and then shorten the extended claws. Try to start at least two millimeters before the sensitive area and trim all claws of a paw quickly but calmly, one after the other.
How far can you shorten cat claws?
Imagine how it feels when you clip your fingernails: a piece of cake if you're careful. However, it becomes excruciating when you catch the area where the horn substance is connected to the nail bed. This is where it is supplied with blood and nerves and is alive. This is precisely how the cat's claw is built. You must be very careful to cut only the front area. The sensitive area has a different color in many light-skinned cats: the claw is slightly pinkish closer to the ball. With dark claws, you have to be even more careful!
Less is definitely more when cutting the claws! Cut rather once again if you have the feeling that not much has changed for the animal.
If you have injured your kitty once, you will notice it immediately: She cries, twitches, and tries to run away. Often the affected area also bleeds. According to the guidebook, the injury usually heals independently, leaving the pet owner with an evil conscience. And rightly so, because then you were not careful enough! Therefore, it is imperative to be very careful when cutting the claws as a beginner. In case of doubt, leave this care to your veterinarian.
What is the best way to cut with?
First, nail scissors and nail clippers for humans are not suitable for cats. The reason is the nail arch, which is round in cat claws and relatively flat in humans. It is best to buy your own claw scissors or claw clippers, which you can easily find in pet stores or on the Internet. This is the safest way to cut.
The cat resists when the claws are cut. What to do?
If the cat resists, leave it alone and try your luck again sometime later with another claw. Perhaps it will then be bribed with treats or catnip. If you have to, cut only one nail per day.
As always, the reward at the end is essential: This way, you reinforce the desired behavior of your favorite. Give him something delicious to eat, lick or bite. You will see that claw trimming will become easier each time, and your darling may soon voluntarily hand over his paws for grooming.
Getting your cat used to claw trimming: This is how it works
The situation should be as relaxed as possible for cats! A stress-free approach the first time is fundamental. Therefore, it is better to cut at home and not at the vet. If it becomes already the first time to the agony, the second time becomes more difficult.
Connect the care of the paws with an excellent experience: Stroking, cuddling, or treats link the situation in the cat brain well and quickly with a pleasant feeling.
How to make claw trimming unnecessary?
Prevention is the best advisor on this subject. If your cat is a free-roamer and healthy, cutting its claws will probably never be necessary. Your little tomboy will scratch abundantly outside and thus wear off the claws.
If your darling is at home in your apartment and uses the offered scratching and wetting possibilities, i.e., the scratching post or the scratching board, to scratch and sharpen the claws to his heart's content, the same applies.
However, claw trimming can become a regular undertaking if your cat does not move much over hard surfaces and rarely sharpens its cat claws. Therefore, you could prevent it this way: Offer your furball the opportunity to run around a lot, preferably on hard floors. Interest your pet in scratching posts and sharpening toys by playing with them. Maybe he just wants a scratching board that you spray well with catnip from time to time?
Old cats move less. Often, therefore, you can not avoid having to cut their claws.
Special case Sphynx cat
The only cats where claw trimming is a must are the Sphynx cats. Their saber-shaped, hollow claws become accurate weapons and pose a high risk of injury to the cats (and their housemates). The reason lies in the lack of keratin in horns and hair caused by this particular breeding.
If you have such a unique beauty at home, get tips from the vet on how often you should cut the claws. He can also recommend a scratching post or similar object, which can shorten the claws while scratching.
Cat claws pull instead of cut?
Nearly all advisers reject the pulling of cat claws! And that is also correct! Claws simply belong to cats. Only (and really only) if your vet explicitly recommends it for health reasons, it comes into question to pull one or more claws on a paw.
The healthy claw is a prerequisite that our cats can lead a species-appropriate life. With it, they catch, play, climb and sharpen. In no case, claws may be pulled because the cat could scratch furniture or break shoes. False animal love stops here in any case!
At what age are cat claws allowed to be cut?
If the mentioned disabilities or injuries occur, you should cut a cat's claws regardless of age. In reality, however, too-long nails in young kittens rarely happen because they naturally move more and play more.
Conclusion
Claw cutting in cats is only necessary in a really few exceptional cases. Do not experiment on suspicion with claw scissors and claw clippers! If you are sure your cat is hindered by too-long claws, you may shorten them carefully. If necessary, get tips from the vet. The better alternative is always to give your cat more exercise and scratching opportunities in its immediate environment. Then the problem usually takes care of itself in a particularly animal-friendly way.♥
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