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. And if you do not have a scratching post … well, then you will find it difficult to stop your cat scratching the sofa - regardless of your opinion about that.
Some felines do not actually need their nails trimmed (at least not regularly) because they wear them down naturally through routine play and scratching. For most, however, a combination of natural scratching and regular claw trimming is ideal.
Kitty Cure has created a line of cat scratching manicure products dedicated to maintaining proper cat claw health. Each product helps reduce your cats claw sharpness. When they scratch, they file! It's a nail file, for your cat!
No, it doesn't make the outer claw sharper. But, yes, it helps the cat maintain sharp claws by helping to work that outer layer of claw off so that a brand new, nicely sharpened claw beneath is revealed.
Although your pets may not seem to enjoy nail clipping, it benefits their health in several ways. Many creatures need to have their claws trimmed. They include cats, dogs, rabbits, birds and even guinea pigs.
The quick contains the nerves and blood vessels of the nail. 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. A well-trained cat will not mind getting its nails trimmed.
In most cases, clipping your cat's claws is unnecessary as they'll naturally file down their own nails. Active, outdoor cats shouldn't need their claws trimmed. But indoor or older cats are more likely to have longer claws and may need a helping hand.
Clipping Kitty's Nails
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.
A cat's claws grow in layers. When scratching, a cat sheds the outermost layer to expose the next sharper layer. This, along with being able to retract their claws, allows their claws to stay sharp all the time. That's why cats like scratching posts or your furniture – whichever is the most accessible.
There are a variety of materials as well. Many cats have a preference for natural wood or sisal rope on their cat trees. Cats often like carpet as well, but try not to get a cat tree that has material similar to your furniture.
Scratching – Cats nails are always growing, and scratching is an instinctive act that keeps the nails trim and sharp. Marking Territory – Cats have scent glands in their paws, and will scratch as well as urinate to help them mark their territory outdoors and keep other strange animals away.
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. You can train your kitten or your cat to use a scratching post and discourage them from scratching on furniture, drapes, and carpets.
If a cat's claws are not trimmed on a regular basis, they can curl in on themselves and grow into the foot pad, causing intense pain. Untrimmed nails can also pose a hazard to people and furniture, both of which can be injured by too-long claws. Don't give up hope: According to Dr.
You should replace your cat scratching post when it's been physically clawed to pieces or you notice that your cat isn't using it as much as they used to. Most last between 6 months and 2 years depending on the quality of the material and how frequently your cat uses it.
Cats need to scratch to keep their claws sharp, exercise and stretch their muscles and mark their territory. If you fail to provide an acceptable area to scratch then your carpets, furniture and wallpaper may get damaged. Once a cat finds an attractive area to scratch they will always return to it!
Take a paw in your hand and use your thumb and pointer finger to gently press down on the top and bottom of the paw on the joint just behind the claw. This will cause the claw to extend so you can quickly but carefully snip off the sharp tip and no more.
Cats CAN learn to understand that their claws hurt you if you let them know gently. But a cat's claws are naturally sharp and are a necessary part of a cat. They don't think about using them, they're just there.
If you're unsure, veterinary clinics or grooming facilities can often apply claw caps for a minor fee.
Dicamba can be used effectively to treat cat's claw creeper as a foliar spray only. The only safe way to foliar spray cat's claw creeper is when it is growing over the ground or up to 1m into small trees and shrubs.
Are nail caps safe for cats? According to Mary Molloy, animal behavior counselor and founder of Nirvana Tails in NYC—yes, absolutely. “[The caps] do not prevent the cat from retracting his claw, and if properly applied, they do not cause any pain or damage to the claw bed,” she reports.
Whiskers Don't Need Trimming!
But you should never trim them. A cat with cut whiskers will become disoriented and scared. “If you cut them, that's like blindfolding someone, taking away one of their ways of identifying what's in their environment,” says veterinarian Jane Brunt.
You'll know it's time for a kitty nail trim when the claws are long, curved, and razor-sharp. The time between trimmings varies depending on a cat's activity level and scratching habits. For the most part, cats require nail cutting about every 2-3 weeks.
Acepromazine. Acepromazine causes sedation and some anxiety relief. It may be given as an injection in the veterinary clinic, or acepromazine pills may be sent home. Acepromazine is often used as a cat sedative for travel, or given 30-60 minutes prior to a veterinary visit.