Cat’s claws are one of their greatest assets. These incredibly versatile tools are actually an extension of the cat’s skeleton. Their reputation as a weapon, both offensive and defensive, is well earned, but it is not their only purpose. Claws improve both speed and balance, allow your cat to grip objects like prey and toys, and are useful tools for grooming. Keeping their claws in good shape by sharpening their claws on scratching posts may even serve as stress relief for your cat.
When to trim your cat’s claws and why
Unfortunately, when they grow unchecked our feline family member’s greatest asset can quickly become a drawback. Because their claw is a part of the skeleton, declawing your cat is not a simple procedure, but the surgical removal of bone. This medical procedure is banned in many countries and opposed by the Humane Society of the United States except when needed for medical purposes, such as severe infection or cancer. In many cases, claws that have become problematic can be better managed with appropriate scratching surfaces and regular trimming.
Active adult cats are often able to keep their nails in good shape simply by sharpening their claws on scratching posts and the like, but less active cats, older cats, or cats with mobility problems may develop overgrown claws. Older cats in particular are prone to overgrown claws. While this is partially due to reduced activity in older cats, there are other age-related factors as well. Senior cats often have difficulty with circulation, leading to abnormal claw growth, and thickened or brittle claws are commonly seen in this age group. Mobility problems like arthritis make it painful for cats to care for their own claws, and are also more common in older cats.
It can be difficult for cats to fully retract overgrown claws, which then catch on to everything. This makes making walking less comfortable for the cat and leaves little holes in all your furniture and clothing. Not a great situation for either of you. In extreme cases, the overgrown nail can curl backward, eventually penetrating the paw pad and possibly leading to infection. Although active adult cats may not regularly need nail trims, adding nail trims to their normal grooming regimen helps ensure that they are familiar with the process before problems arise.
You can start getting kittens used to having their nails trimmed when they are as young as four weeks old. If they seem uncomfortable or anxious, try starting with just a nail or two per session before moving on to the entire paw. Most claws should only need trimming every four to six weeks
When not to trim your cat’s claws
Cats that spend a great deal of time outside, such as working cats, need their claws as sharp. Blunting their claws by trimming them puts these cats at a disadvantage. Without sharp claws, not only will they have difficulty catching their prey, they may not be able to defend themselves against wild animals, loose dogs, or other cats.
In some cases, cats can develop fungal or bacterial infections that make trimming your feline family member’s claws impractical without additional treatment to address the underlying condition. Claws that have become extremely overgrown and are penetrating the pad should be attended to by a veterinary professional to make sure that the pad doesn’t get infected.
How to trim your cat’s claws
The first step in trimming your cat’s claws is simply to get your cat used to having their paws handled. In order to properly trim the claws, they need to be visible. To expose retracted claws, simply press gently on the soft pad of the paw. Some cats are not overly bothered by this process, making this step easy, but other cats may take several sessions before they are comfortable with it. Offering treats while handling the paws will help to create a positive association. The earlier in your cat’s life that you start this process, the easier it is likely to be.
Once you have gotten your cat used to having their paws handled, you will want to get them used to the idea of the clippers. There are several types of claw clippers available to help keep your cat’s nails trimmed and healthy. The three most commonly seen options are the guillotine clippers, scissor-style clippers, and human nail clippers.
Types of clippers
- Human nail clippers—These are the easiest to come by, as most people have them in their homes already, but can be difficult to use for cat claws. The crushing motion of this type of clipper may cause more pain than clippers designed for pets and may lead to splitting.
- Guillotine clippers—This style of clipper is designed for ease of use and quick clipping. They are a particularly attractive choice for those who are nervous about clipping their cat’s claws, who have small hands, or who have mobility problems with their hands. The blades on guillotine clippers become dull quickly and require frequent replacements
- Scissor-style clippers—Scissor-style clippers are a durable choice that work much like your average pair of scissors, but are sharper and designed to cleanly cut through the claw. While they are an excellent option for many individuals, they can be difficult to use for people with small hands or mobility issues.
Let your cat explore the clippers. If the clippers make your cat nervous, pull out your cat’s favorite treats again and set one on the clippers themselves to foster that positive association. You can get your cat accustomed to the sound that clippers make by using the clippers to cut a piece of dried spaghetti while holding your cat in your lap. The sound made by the spaghetti closely mimics the sound of clippers cutting through the nail so the sound doesn’t startle your feline family member when you first clip their nails.
Many pet parents are able to clip their cat’s nails while the cat is sleeping, but not all cats sleep soundly enough to make this possible. If you aren’t lucky enough to have a cat that sleeps through their trimming, it’s usually easiest to clip just a few claws at a time over a few short sessions rather than stress the cat out by holding them still for an extended session.
A few things to keep in mind
- Never rush a claw trim. It is more important to be precise and avoid cutting the quick than it is to be speedy.
- Never trim your cat’s claws when either you or your cat are irritable or anxious.
- Don’t scold your cat for resisting as this will teach them to avoid getting their claws clipped.
- Never force your cat to
Split claws, often caused by blunt instruments, can sometimes reach into the quick, leading to infection. Once you have finished clipping your cat’s claws, check to make sure that none are split, then reward your fabulous feline with another treat, a play session, or some extra attention.
If you are uncomfortable with clipping your cat’s claws, if they have grown into the paw pad, or if they are exceptionally thick, contact your veterinarian. They can help you get the claw under control, ensure that no infections develop, and check for any underlying conditions.