Cat Claw Trimming 101

Trimming your cat’s claws after every few weeks plays a critical role in maintaining your pet’s health since they use their claws in almost everything they do like playing, defending themselves, climbing, marking territories, and hunting. So, a day without healthy nails can be a difficult one for your kitty.

However, most cats do not like having their claws trimmed. Humans also dread trimming their cat’s nails because they often end up with scratches on their bodies and a frightened cat. 

Dr. Sophia Yin, an animal behaviorist and author of “Restraint and Behavior Modification of Dogs and Cats as well as Low-Stress Handling,” points out that very few of her clients feel comfortable trimming their cat’s claws and they only do so if they have been trained.

Either way, nail trimming is a requirement and you cannot skip it. Claw trimming not only protects your pet, you, and your family but also saves your furniture and other household items from damage. There are also so many other reasons you should trim your cat’s nails.

Here is everything you need to know about cat claw trimming if you’re wondering whether it’s necessary to trim a cat’s claws or not.

Reasons to Address Claw Trimming

Cat’s claws curl themselves and grow into the footpad if they are not trimmed regularly. Too long claws can also pose a hazard to other cats, household items, and cat owners. So, it’s time to trim your cat’s claws on a regular basis if your sofa starts to resemble a worn-out scratching post.

So, the point is to get rid of long, sharp claws. Even with a wide range of choices to scratch like trees and posts, your furniture is most likely to be your cat’s first choice, especially if he stays indoors most of his time.

Therefore, claw trimming makes life more comfortable for you and your cat. If you have a cat who loves kneading you and poking those sharp nail tips into your skin- you understand what I’m talking about. Trimming those claws will make this loving gesture of affection something you can enjoy and look forward to rather than dread.

As for your cat, claw trimming may prevent broken claws that result from the nail tips getting caught up in a carpet or sofa causing intense pain.

Ways to Deal with Long Cat Claws

The first thing we have to accept is that cats are going to grow nails continuously. It’s perfectly normal for them just the way humans also grow their nails. Our goal is not to stop the nail growth but to keep your cat healthy and prevent the damages that come along with long cat claws. So, how do we go about it? Here are some five ways you can deal with long cat claws:

1.    Trim Your Cat’s Claws 

Know when and how often you can trim your cat’s long claws. Your cat’s claws are ready for a trim if they are already long and beginning to curve. Cat’s claws should be trimmed after every 2-4 weeks and the time you spend between nail trimming entirely depends on your cat’s level of activity and tolerance. You should start trimming your cat’s nails when they are young so that they can get used to the process.

Use a nail trimmer like Dogit Le Salon Essential Guillotine Nail Cutter because it has sharper blades and will make the claw trimming process comfortable for your cat. Make sure you relax your cat before you begin the process and keep praising and rewarding him as he cooperates.

It’s fairly easy to do the claw trimming yourself but you can seek veterinary help for a few pointers. Most vets also do regular trims at a minimal fee.

2.    Use Nail Covers

Apply rubber cover nails for some cats. They are glued over the nails to create a duller tip. Depending on your cat, these nail covers may last from a few weeks to a few months. It can be tricky to apply the nail caps for the first time, but your veterinarian will help you get it right at first.

3.    Invest in a Scratching Post

Cats need to scratch daily. It’s their instinctive behavior. That’s why they often end up scratching on the sofa, carpet, and other items. Most cats prefer scratching vertically while others prefer doing so horizontally, so you may have to try a few varieties of scratching posts before you figure out your cat’s favorite style. 

Buy several different scratching posts like Marukan Cat Scratching Tower Long Type or Pawise Cat Post Gato Podium for those cats who prefer vertical scratching. Trixie Candy Cane Scratching Board works well for cats who love horizontal scratching. Scatter the scratching equipment around areas where your cat spends most of his time scratching.

4.    Train Your Cat

Use positive reinforcement when you spot your cat scratching on his post and not on the furniture. The reward is better than punishment. Praise and reward them when they also cooperate during claw trimming. They will soon associate this loving gesture with these activities.

5.    Learn to Discourage Your Cat from Undesirable Behavior

You may opt for other options to discourage your cat from undesirable behavior since you cannot use punishment. Use the non-toxic citrus spray on household items where cats love scratching. Cats will always avoid citrus-scented objects. Also, prevent access to areas where your cat has been scratching inappropriately.