Noah Sinclair
Cats' claws are only visible when they extend them, such as when they are climbing, hunting, or defending themselves. As a result, when cats wander around the house or garden, their claws do not naturally wear down. To address this, cats scratch surfaces to manage their claws, which can often be indoor furniture. To prevent this, cat owners can provide their cats with a scratching post, made from a strong material such as sisal rope, and placed near where the cat sleeps. Additionally, cat owners can trim their cats' claws using nail clippers, cutting only the sharp tips and avoiding the pink area of the nail, known as the quick. It is important to get cats accustomed to the sound of nail clippers and being handled from an early age.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Trimming cat nails | Use a sharp clipper made for animal nails. |
| Cut only the sharp tips of the claws, avoiding the pink area (quick) to prevent bleeding. | |
| Use dried spaghetti to get the cat used to the sound of clipping. | |
| Reward the cat with treats during and after clipping. | |
| Get the cat used to having its paws and claws handled from an early age. | |
| Do not declaw the cat as it is a painful procedure with several risks and behavioral effects. | |
| Nail caps can be glued over the nails to create a dull tip. | |
| Alternative scratching areas | Use a scratching post made of a sturdy and rough material like sisal or thick burlap. |
| Place the post near where the cat sleeps and around exits and entries to rooms. | |
| Use deterrents like double-sided tape, aluminium foil, or citrus-scented spray to make certain areas less appealing for the cat to scratch. |
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What You'll Learn
Use nail clippers to trim nails
Trimming your cat's nails is a good way to keep them from getting too sharp. Cats' retractable claws need to be trimmed, along with the cells at the claw's base responsible for growth. This is because, when cats wander around the house, their claws are retracted and do not naturally wear down.
To trim your cat's nails, you will need to use nail clippers. It is recommended to use nail clippers specifically designed for animals, as these are safer and will not crush your cat's nails. You can also use toenail clippers, which are easier to hold and allow for more accuracy. Before you begin, get your cat used to the sound of the clippers by using them to cut something else, such as dried spaghetti.
When trimming your cat's nails, only clip the sharp tips of the claws, being careful to avoid the quick, which is the pink area of the nail. Cutting the quick is painful for your cat and will cause bleeding. If you do accidentally cut the quick, contact your vet immediately if the bleeding does not stop. It is important to get your cat used to having their nails clipped from a young age, and to reward them with treats during the process.
In addition to trimming your cat's nails, you can also apply soft plastic nail caps, such as Soft Claws, to create a more dull tip. These nail caps are glued over the nails and can last for a few weeks to a few months.
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Deter cats from scratching furniture
Cats have retractable claws, and scratching is a natural behaviour for them. They scratch to mark their territory, as they have scent glands in their feet, and also to keep their claws healthy and sharp. Scratching is like a form of exercise for cats, helping to strengthen their muscles and tendons.
However, this natural behaviour can be destructive to your furniture. To prevent this, you could try trimming your cat's claws regularly. You can do this yourself with a sharp animal nail clipper, or take your cat to a professional groomer. Be careful not to cut too far down, and only clip the very tip of the nail. You can also ask your veterinarian to show you the best way to do this.
Another option is to provide alternative surfaces for your cat to scratch, such as a scratching post. These should be sturdy, at least three feet tall, and covered in a durable material like carpeting, sisal, or thick burlap. Place these near areas where your cat likes to scratch, and encourage their use by rewarding your cat with treats or sprinkling catnip on the post.
There are also various products available to deter cats from scratching furniture, such as sprays containing bitter-tasting substances or natural feline scents, sticky tapes or pads, and furniture covers. You can also try placing double-sided tape or aluminium foil on the furniture, as cats don't like the sticky feeling or the noise and texture of foil. Citrus-scented sprays or diffusers may also help, as some cats dislike strong citrus scents.
It is important to note that declawing your cat is not recommended, as it is a painful procedure that can have physical and psychological effects on your cat.
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Apply soft plastic nail caps
Soft plastic nail caps are a great alternative to declawing your cat. They are a simple solution to prevent your cat's claws from becoming too sharp and causing damage when they scratch. They are also much more humane than declawing, which is a permanent and irreversible procedure that can have negative physical and psychological effects on your cat.
Soft Paws® is a popular brand of nail caps for cats that can be purchased from online shops or pet stores. These nail caps are made of soft plastic and are glued onto your cat's nails. They were created by a veterinarian and are designed to be safe and comfortable for your cat. When applied correctly, they should never cause any pain or injury.
To apply soft plastic nail caps, start by trimming your cat's nails to the correct length. It is important to use a nail clipper that is specifically designed for animals, as human nail clippers can crush your cat's nails and may not create a blunt edge. Make sure to only clip the very tip of the nail to avoid cutting into the quick, which can be painful for your cat.
Once your cat's nails are trimmed, you can apply the nail caps. Choose the correct size of nail cap for your cat's nails and apply a small amount of glue to the inside of the cap. Place the cap over your cat's nail, making sure it is fitted properly and not over-glued. Allow the glue to dry completely before releasing your cat's paw.
It is important to note that nail caps should be used in conjunction with scratching posts to help your cat shed dead nail sheaths and keep their nails healthy. Additionally, if you are unsure about the application process or have any concerns, it is always best to consult your veterinarian or a professional groomer for advice.
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Use a scratching post
Scratching is a natural behaviour for cats, and they need to scratch to keep their claws sharp and healthy. Scratching helps cats remove the outer sheath of their claws, which is made of keratin, just like human nails. Without a suitable surface to scratch, a cat's claws can become overgrown and overly sharp.
A scratching post provides a textured surface for cats to scratch, which helps to naturally file down their claws and prevent them from becoming too sharp. Scratching posts are usually a good alternative for cats to scratch, instead of your furniture. They should be sturdy and tall enough for a full vertical scratch. The post should be covered in a durable material like sisal, carpeting, or thick burlap. You can also cover some immobile surfaces, such as a door or door jamb, with carpeting.
To encourage your cat to use the scratching post, place it in a spot where your cat is likely to scratch, such as near where they sleep or around exits and entries to rooms. You can also put catnip on the post to make it more appealing. Play with your cat near the post, dangle a toy or shoestring from the top, and scratch the post yourself to show them what to do.
If your cat is persistent about scratching areas where they shouldn't, you can make these areas less attractive by spraying them with a citrus-scented air freshener or laying sheets of aluminium foil over them. Then, redirect your cat to the scratching post and reward them when they use it.
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Handle your cat's paws regularly
Handling your cat's paws regularly is an important part of keeping their nails healthy and less sharp. Cats often resist paw handling and can develop overgrown or ingrown nails, which can cause them discomfort. Therefore, it is essential to get your cat accustomed to having its paws touched from an early age.
To get your cat used to handling its paws, you can start by gently squeezing its paws when you are snuggling or petting them. You can also gently rub their ears and touch near their eyes, so they get used to you handling sensitive areas. This will make it easier to trim their nails or apply nail caps in the future.
It is also important to provide your cat with appropriate outlets for scratching, such as a sturdy scratching post covered in a durable material like carpeting, sisal, or thick burlap. Place the scratching post near where your cat sleeps, as they like to stretch and scratch when they wake up. You can also try playing with your cat near the post and putting some catnip on it to make it more appealing.
Additionally, regular nail trimming can help keep your cat's nails less sharp. Use sharp clippers specifically designed for animal nails, as they create a more blunt edge than human nail clippers. When trimming your cat's nails, only cut the sharp tips, being careful to avoid the "quick," or pink area of the nail, as cutting this will be painful for your cat and may cause bleeding.
By handling your cat's paws regularly and providing appropriate scratching outlets, you can help keep your cat's nails healthy and less sharp.
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Frequently asked questions
You can trim your cat's nails using nail clippers or scissors designed for animals. Alternatively, you can apply soft plastic nail caps to your cat's nails, which need to be glued on and should be applied by a veterinarian.
You should only clip the sharp tips of the claws, being careful to avoid the quick (the pink area of the nail). You can lay the cat on its back in your lap and hold the clippers sideways so that the nails are cut left/right instead of up/down. You can also get your cat used to the sound of the clippers by using them to cut something else first, such as dried spaghetti.
Elderly cats may need help keeping their claws trimmed as they exercise less. For younger cats, it is recommended to start trimming their nails when they are kittens so that they get used to it.
