If you're wondering whether it is necessary to trim a cat's claws, trimming a cat's claws every few weeks is an important part of maintaining your pet's health. Not only does a quick trim protect you, your pet and your family, it can also save your sofa, curtains and other furniture.
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.
NATURAL NAIL CARE:
Cats will groom their claws on their own by taking off the outer sheaths, which is the covering around the nail. They do this in several situations by scratching their nails on an indoor scratching post, on a tree (if they are an outdoor cat), or by chewing at their nails to expose the new claw.
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.
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.
Cats with long nails are more likely to scratch, which not only hurts but can also lead to infection. No one wants that! And lastly, trimming your cat's nails can help to prevent furniture scratching - something we know all too well as pet parents.
For example, cats scratch to mark their territory. They also scratch to trim their nails. Outdoor cats probably use some tree around. However, your cat is an indoor cat, a scratching post may come in handy.
Keeping your cat's claws trimmed is good grooming and will reduce the damage done by sharp nails. If possible, get the cat used to having their claws trimmed while they are still young. Never encourage a cat to play roughly with hands or feet. Instead, give them a toy to kick and claw.
What to do if? Cat nails never stop growing, which can mean bad news for anything that crosses their path because cats scratch to buff and shorten them. Nail trimming can prevent a cat from scratching belongings. Scratch posts or scratch mats can help as well.
The other style of nail clippers is called a scissors style; two blades come together, like a pair of scissors. Either of these can be safely used with cats. In fact, you can even use human nail clippers on cats.
Technically, these are the roaring cats, like tigers, lions, jaguars and leopards, and they all possess fully retractable claws like domestic cats. This adaptation ensures their claws are protected by a sheath of skin when they are not being used to catch prey, climb, scratch or provide traction.
Whiskers Don't Need Trimming!
Like other hairs on a cat's body, whiskers shed. That's normal. But you should never trim them. A cat with cut whiskers will become disoriented and scared.
Most cats should have their claws trimmed every week and a half to two weeks. Getting into a routine will make it easier to keep your cat's nails under control. If you're having trouble trimming their claws, you can ask a groomer or veterinarian for advice. The ASPCA highly discourages declawing cats.
Use your clippers to trim the tip of your cat's nail. Rather than cutting straight across, aim for a 45-degree angle, which lets the nail rest comfortably on the ground when your cat walks.
Your cat's claws are made up of layers that grow from the inside out. Over time the outside layer can become worn and frayed. Consequently, your cat will chew or bite at their claws during grooming. Their aim is to remove the outer layer to expose the sharp claw underneath.
While a scratching post won't sharpen nails the way we would sharpen a knife, the use of a scratching post removes the outer layer of a cat's claw which reveals sharper layers underneath. So instead of sharpening the existing claw, scratching removes dull parts of the claw to make room for sharper layers.
Toys that can be chased, swatted, and batted should be provided. Species appropriate punishment such as “hissing” or the use of punishment devices such as a water sprayer, can of compressed air, or hand held alarm are better than using any physical techniques since they are less likely to lead to fear and retaliation.
Signs of Cat Anxiety
If your cat has anxiety, you may notice pacing or restlessness, hiding, decreased appetite, vocalization, hypervigilance, trembling, salivation, and excessive grooming.
When your cat sniffs your face, they're taking in information too: what you smell like! Sniffing your face allows your cat to familiarize themselves with your scent so that they can recognize it, and you, in the future. Once they commit your scent to memory, they are better able to identify you going forward.
As well as being a method of communication, staring is also a sign of a close bond between you and your cat, as they are unlikely to hold eye contact with someone they don't like or trust.