Cats having claws is perfectly natural - in fact they're so important to cats that 'de-clawing' is illegal in the UK. But sometimes, they can get a little too long if your cat isn’t able to wear them down properly. Show It's always best to give your cat ways to wear their claws down naturally rather than clipping them. If they're given lots of opportunity to scratch and condition their claws, they're more likely to stay a good length so you won't need to trim them. You can read our top tips to help keep your cat's claws in good condition below. How do I know if my cat’s claws are too long?If you’ve ever been playing with your cat and gotten a little too close, you might have felt just how sharp their claws are! While playing, it’s natural to be able to see your cat’s claws. Cats’ front claws are retractable, meaning that when they’re resting you’re unlikely to be able to see them at all. This also means that when they walk, they can do so quietly and without getting stuck on anything. If your cat’s claws are too long, you might notice they’re starting to catch on the carpet or tap against hard floors. You may be able to clearly see their claws, even when they’re resting. As our cats get older it’s definitely worth keeping an eye on their claws. If they develop arthritis, can’t retract their claws, or find it painful to claw things to keep their claws sharp and short they may need a bit of extra help. Long-haired cats in particular need regular checking as it can be hard to see if their claws are too long because of all the excess fur! If your cat’s claws get too long, they can start to curve and grow into their paw pads causing a lot of pain and problems for your kitty. It’s best to keep an eye on your cat’s claws so you know if they’re starting to get too long and if you suspect they’ve grown into the pad, it’s best to call your vet for their help. We’d always recommend a chat with your vet team first if you think there is something wrong with your cat’s claws (for example, if they have grown into the pad or you can see blood or swelling in their toes). A visit might not be so easy given the current situation, so give them a call to discuss what could be wrong over the phone first. My cat’s claws are too long – how can I cut them?
You should only trim your cat’s nails if they are too long, not because they are sharp. It’s best to speak to your vet if you’re unsure. If your vet has advised you to cut your cat’s claws, you need to do so slowly and carefully. You’ll need some cat nail clippers or cat nail scissors, and your cat’s favourite treats. We wouldn’t recommend using human nail clippers, as these can cause your cat’s claws to split. You can buy cat nail clippers from the PDSA Pet Store online. It’s also important to remember that once you’ve trimmed your cats nails they will want to sharpen them again so be prepared for them to scratch more (and sometimes in new places!) to get their nails back to their normal pointed shape. For a good few days before, you’ll want to get your cat used to having their paws touched. Start to build them up by gently touching their paws and giving them a treat if they stay calm, but stop if they start to look uncomfortable or stressed. When they’re happy to have their paws touched, you can start clipping:
How can I help my cat to keep their claws in good condition?Outdoor, active cats shouldn’t need their claws clipping. In the wild, your cat would wear them down running, hunting, climbing, playing and scratching. Your pet should be no different! But indoor or older cats can be more at risk of getting longer claws. Here are our top tips for keeping your kitty’s claws in shape:
About PDSA VetsWe've put together advice from our veterinary team across PDSA. Pet care tips, news, supporter stories and vet Q&AsCan you cut a cat's claws at home?While it will take you—and your cat—some time to get used to the process, with a little patience it's totally possible to tackle claw trims at home. Here are a few tips on how to cut your cat's nails painlessly.
Is it cruel to cut cats claws?Also, cats naturally walk like ballerinas on their “points,” but declawing throws them off balance, forcing them to learn to walk in a very different way, which can cause irreparable and painful damage to the spine.
|