Absolutely! Your cat will instinctively scratch, not just to keep their nails trimmed but to strengthen the muscles that allow them to retract their claws.
Just like human and dog nails, cat nails or “claws” grow slowly but surely. If not trimmed or filed down, these nails can keep growing to a point where they are uncomfortable for the cat or may even curl back into their toe or paw pad.
The short answer is yes, you should trim your cat's claws if they're getting too long. If left untrimmed, your cat's claws can grow too long and start to curl under, which can be painful for your kitty. Long claws can also cause damage to furniture, carpets, and other household items.
Most cats don't like to have their nails trimmed and some will absolutely not tolerate it. If your cat won't even allow you to hold his or her paws, you may have to rely on a pet groomer or your cat's vet to trim your pet's nails.
In extreme cases, the claws become so long that they start to curve under and grow into the paw… ouch! A cat's claws are so important for cat welfare that de-clawing is illegal in the UK. That's why we recommend that you never trim your cat's nails unless absolutely necessary.
They will snag their paws on fabric or the carpet when playing, and may twist and damage their ligaments, or worse, break a toe. Long cat nails can slash skin, ending in an unpleasant experience when you're trying to play with them. Most often, they don't mean to scratch you, it's just that their nails need clipping.
Providing a Scratching Area for Your Cat
Scratching posts are usually a good alternative. They should be sturdy and not tip over, and at least three feet tall. They should be covered in a durable material like carpeting, sisal, or thick burlap.
If the quick is clipped, it causes a lot of pain and bleeding. Injury is most likely the reason your cat hates getting their nails trimmed; once they feel that pain, they know what to avoid.
Severely overgrown and curved nails can grow into the footpad, causing significant pain and mobility problems. Therefore, it is very important to keep your cat's nails short. Cat should have their nails trimmed every 10 days to 2 weeks so that they do not get to this point.
Keep Em' Short. If your cat's claws are beginning to curl, it is an indication that they are too long. Natural trimming occurs when animals are in regular contact with hard surfaces such as concrete or road pavement. Most indoor cats don't take long walks that are lengthy enough to keep their claws short.
Cat claw covers, also known as claw caps, are not considered cruel when used properly. They are a humane and effective way to prevent cats from causing damage to furniture and other surfaces, as well as to prevent injury to people and other animals.
Don't get too close to the pink part of the nail called "the quick," where blood vessels and nerve endings lie. Just like the pink part of a human fingernail, the quick is very sensitive; cutting into this area will likely cause bleeding and pain.
For the most part, cats require nail cutting about every 2-3 weeks. Mature cats usually need more frequent nail clippings than kittens. Make sure you provide a scratching post to support your cat's instinctive urge to claw and to keep those nails trimmed between clipping sessions.
If you notice that your cat's nails keep splitting when you try to trim them, it could be because your clippers or trimmers are dull. Dull tools can crush the nail instead of giving it a clean cut. This leads to messy splits that can be painful and even prone to infection if they affect the quick.
There are a few signs your cat's claws are too long: they might catch them on things such as blankets or carpets. you can see them clearly when your cat is resting. they struggle to scratch their claws (because they are too long and painful)
Cats love to scratch and it's a natural part of their behaviour. Having a few scratching posts around the house can be a great way to encourage them to wear those claws down (and save your carpets and furniture!).
Trim Your Cat's Claws
A good, humane option to stop your cats from scratching furniture is to trim their claws every two to three weeks. If possible, it might be best to start doing that while your pet is still a kitten. If you have an older cat, though, you can still help them get used to nail clipping.
Cats are naturally able to file their nails and trim them on different surfaces, such as the trunk of a tree. However, in the case of a domestic cat that does not have the opportunity to find plants on which to trim his claws, it is essential to put in one or more scratching posts.
Pets hate getting the quick cut - it's painful! - and it's messy since it can bleed. It's easier to see with light-colored nails than dark-colored nails. If your cat has dark nails, proceed with caution and cut the claws in several stages to reduce the chance of nicking that sensitive area.
Trimming cat nails may not sound like a job for the faint of heart, especially with the pressure of avoiding the quick. If you cut the quick when trimming cat nails, it can be painful for your feline and can lead to bleeding. So, what is the quick exactly, and how do you avoid hitting the quick when trimming cat nails?
While you're there, you may also want to ask your professional if they apply or remove cat nail caps. “Many veterinary offices and groomers can do it for you,” says Dr. Megan Conrad, DVM, a veterinarian at Hello Ralphie.
Playful, energetic cats may slap each other as in invitation to play. Cats that are inviting play by slapping will have body language fitting a playful cat. Their whiskers will be forward and their attention given to the situation at hand. Their claws will be retracted for the slap so as not to hurt the other cat.
If all else fails, ask your vet to put them on! Once you get the nail caps on, another good tip is to play with or reward your cat with a treat to distract them after you first put them on.