Claws are important for a cat’s health and well-being. For example, they help our cats climb, defend themselves, and catch prey. For this reason, it’s important to take care of them and keep them properly trimmed. In this article, we will go over the importance of caring for your cat’s claws and teach you how to do it correctly.
Taking care of your cat’s claws: why is it important?
Taking care of your cat’s claws may seem trivial, but it is actually very important, especially if your cat mainly lives indoors. You need to make sure to keep them clean for your cat’s well-being.
Sharp claws can damage your belongings if they are not trimmed
Cat claws have many uses. They are used for climbing, scratching furniture, hunting, and defending themselves. In addition, cats also use their claws to mark their territory by scratching objects. Therefore, when your cat’s claws are too long, they can ruin many items around your home, such as sofas, curtains, and clothing. If you keep their claws properly trimmed, you can prevent damage caused to your belongings.
Long claws can lead to infections
When a cat’s claws grow too long, they can curl back and grow into the pads of its paws. This causes pain and makes walking difficult and uncomfortable. In severe cases, it can lead to an infection that will harm the cat’s health.
Some diseases, such as bartonellosis or cat scratch disease, occur in cats when their claws are not properly maintained. It can be transmitted to humans through scratches and can cause complications in some cases. To avoid these problems, it is important to trim your cat’s claws regularly.
Nail trimming, the cat grooming routine
Aside from all the reasons mentioned above, it’s important to highlight that trimming a cat’s claws is an important part of its grooming. It’s just as important as maintaining their fur and teeth in good condition. Keep in mind that to properly care for your cat’s claws, you should always use tools that are specifically designed for this purpose. The frequency of trimming is also important and should be determined based on several factors.
Our tips for trimming your cat’s claws
Trimming your cat’s claws isn’t difficult, but it does require a little patience. Here are some tips to ensure the process goes smoothly.
Trim your cat’s claws when they are too long
A cat’s claws should ideally be trimmed once a month, especially if the cat lives primarily indoors, if they bother your cat, or if the cat is older and can no longer trim them itself. However, cats that spend most of their time outdoors rarely need their claws trimmed, as they maintain themselves naturally and are essential for their survival.
Your pet’s age is also an important factor to consider when finding out how often you should trim their nails and which methods to use. A cat under three months old only needs nail trimming from time to time, as their nails are still very soft. However, it’s important to start this process early in your pet’s life so they get used to it and don’t become anxious or stressed.
Use cat nail clippers or special nail scissors to trim your cat’s nails. Choose a time when your cat is relaxed and calm. You may need someone to help hold them still if they move a lot. Trim in a straight line, making sure not to cut too close to the pink part of the nail. Don’t forget to praise your pet with a sweet voice and give them a treat after the trim!
File down the sharp edges of the claws
From time to time, you can use an electric or stainless steel nail file to gently smooth the rough edges of your cat’s claws. This is an alternative to trimming. Be very careful not to file too deeply, as this can damage the claws. Simply remove any sharp points or jagged edges. If your cat has light-colored claws, you will be able to see the pink part. You should avoid filing this area, as it will be painful for your cat and may cause bleeding. If you cannot see the pink part of your cat’s claws, be careful and do not file too deeply. Filing should only be done every few weeks or as needed. Excessive filing can damage the claws and make them more prone to breakage in the future.
Buy a cat scratcher for your cat
Scratching posts provide your cat with a place to scratch and help keep its claws clean and healthy. This will prevent you cat from feeling the need to scratch objects unintentionally and damage them. Various models of scratching posts are available on the market (in multiple materials and shapes), allowing you to choose one that suits your cat’s behavior. Generally, cats prefer vertical scratching posts that resemble the tree trunks they enjoy climbing.
In any case, make sure to choose a scratching post that’s tall or long enough for your cat to stretch out fully. Also, place the scratching post in the same location as the cat tree to limit the areas where your pet will scratch. This will make it easy to keep your cat away from your curtains, sofas, and clothes, preventing a lot of damage around your home.
Apply a cream to strengthen fragile claws
There are many products that can help care for your cat’s claws and prevent splitting. If you notice them starting to split or crack, you can apply a specific treatment to protect them. For example, you can apply a special moisturizing cream to the claws and paw pads. This helps strengthen them and prevents them from drying out and breaking.
For this treatment, simply follow the instructions on the packaging of your chosen product. Some creams should be applied once or twice a week, while others are for continuous use over a short period. Be sure to apply the treatment in a well-ventilated area, as some formulas give off strong odors that may be displeasing for your pet or yourself.
What should I do if their claw bleeds after I cut it?
If your cat’s claws bleed after you trim them, don’t worry. There are several things you can do to stop the bleeding. First, apply pressure to the area with a clean cloth. You can also use styptic powder (or nail-safe powder) or a small amount of cornstarch to help stop the bleeding. If the bleeding doesn’t stop after a few minutes, or if it’s excessive, call your vet immediately. The wound needs to be properly cared for to prevent infection and further harm to your cat’s health.
Taking care of your cat’s claws is really important for their health and well-being. With the right tools and knowledge, it’s easy to do at home. All you need is a good quality pair of cat nail clippers and a nail file. Follow these simple steps, and your cat will have healthy, well-groomed claws in no time.