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What’s that old saying—when you love someone, you have to love everything about them. Well, that’s definitely put to the test when you see your cat scratching. When you own a cat, you have to accept that scratching is normal behavior.
Cats scratch when they’re stretching and playing and to mark their territory. They also scratch objects to remove worn-out outer claws and expose new, sharper claws. So, what can you do to manage your cat’s claws and keep your furniture intact? First, we’ll look at how you can safely trim your cat’s nails at home. Then, we’ll examine preventative methods you can use to keep your furniture in one piece.
How to Safely Trim Your Cat’s Claws at Home
Your cat may be calm while its nails are trimmed, and hopefully, you’ll finish the clipping without being bitten or scratched. However, most cats are not fond of anyone holding their paws, and it’s crucial to create a relaxed environment that will keep your pet as stress-free as possible.
Tips and Tricks for Claw Trimming
These are our top tips for creating the best environment and putting your cat at ease before you start.
- Get your cat accustomed to the trimming process at an early age.
- Help your cat learn to trust your touch by making a point to touch and stroke their paws and pads when you aren’t going to cut their claws.
- Let your feline see the clippers before they’re in use. Leave them out and let the cat explore them, so the tool will not seem unfamiliar when you’re ready to trim.
- Plan to perform the procedure over several days. If your cat is stressed, you may only manage one claw per day, and that’s fine!
- Use high-quality pet clippers.
- Try to stay calm so that your cat doesn’t become anxious. Have a friend help you keep the animal relaxed and provide words of encouragement. Positive reinforcement will go a long way with this experience, and you can provide a treat before and after the trimming.
- Gently squeeze your cat’s pad until the claw sticks out.
- Trim the sharp point of the claw and avoid hitting the blood vessel (quick). If you do cut the quick, you can stop the bleeding by coating the nail with styptic powder. Minor bleeding can also be stopped by applying light pressure with a clean microfiber towel or gauze.
- If there are any signs of distress, release your cat immediately and try later. Continuing when they’re distressed will potentially make them fearful of doing this in the future.
- If your cat seems calm, continue with the other claws.
Veterinary surgeons, vet technicians, vet nurses, and groomers can also clip your cat’s nails for you.
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The 5 Other Ways to Maintain Your Cat’s Claws
Although nail trimming is important, you can keep your cat’s claws dull with these tips.
1. Get a Scratching Post
The scratching post should be tall enough for a full vertical scratch and sturdy enough that it doesn’t topple over when the cat puts its full weight on the post.
Put the post in a place your cat is likely to scratch to offer an alternative the next time it scratches up your furniture. Some cats enjoy horizontal posts, others prefer vertical, and you might need to experiment with different scratching posts to see which type your pet likes the best.
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2. Try Out Plastic Claw Caps
Soft Claws, also known as Soft Paws, are plastic nail caps that come in four sizes. They also come in various colors, from natural to fashion colors, and sort of look like fake nails for cats.
They glue onto the nail to create a dull tip and they’re soft plastic caps that fit over your cat’s claws after trimming. Essentially, they form a protective barrier between your favorite chair and your cat.
3. Nail Grinder
Nail grinders use a spinning emery board to file the nails quickly, quietly and efficiently. They may be a good option for your cat but, as with clipping go gently and remove the hooked nail tip.
4. Scratching Pad
This scratching pad helps to file your cats’ nails whilst they forage for a treat. Providing entertainment and nail care at the same time.
5. Scratching Manicure Strips
These are strips designed to be placed under the litter in a cat tray and as the cat scratches to cover their toileting they file their nails a little at the same time. These may be an option for cats that are resistant to handling.
Never Declaw Your Cat
The term “declaw” is inaccurate because it implies that the procedure only removes the cat’s claws. However, declawing involves amputating the last digital bone on the front of each toe. Cats suffer tremendous pain when they recover from this procedure.
Cats use their claws every day for pouncing, scratching, balancing, climbing, and defending themselves. Removing their nails limits their ability to function as normal felines, and it can be avoided easily with training, claw-trimming, and scratching posts. Cats don’t scratch up your favorite armchair maliciously; they do it because scratching is natural and a way to keep their claws sharp and healthy.
Preventative Measures You Can Take
Here are a few preventive steps you can take that will deter your cat from scratching up your home.
1. Scents
Cats will often avoid scents they dislike. Examples of this are citronella, orange, banana, and rosemary. Cats also deposit pheromones on objects that they scratch, which repeatedly brings them back to the object. Enzyme sprays are available to clean your furniture and prevent return visits.
2. Turn Them Against Their Favorite Spots
You can lay sheets of aluminum foil over areas you want to protect. Cats will avoid the areas because they don’t like the feeling or the sound of the foil. You can also try wide, double-sided sticky tape.
3. Distract Them
If you catch your pet in the act of scratching, redirect their attention to a scratching post and offer a reward if they scratch the post. You can also try making a loud noise, like clapping when the feline turns its attention to your furniture. The noise should act as a distraction and not feel threatening in any way.
Conclusion
The best thing for you, your cat, and your furniture’s longevity is to ensure you’re trimming your cat’s claws. To do this, you’ll need an assistant and a calm atmosphere.
You can also try preventative measures like scratching posts and citrus scents if you think they’ll work for your kitty. If you’re having problems maintaining your pet’s nails, contact your vet or a professional cat groomer to trim the claws.
See also:
- How to Keep Your Cat’s Nails Healthy in 5 Vet-Approved Steps
- Cat Pedicures: What’s Involved? Vet-Approved Facts & Explanation
Featured Image Credit: RJ22, Shutterstock
