How To Trim Your Cat’s Claws: A Complete Guide

Cats are famous for their sharp claws. They help them hunt, climb, and if need be, fight. However, their claws can become overgrown and cause discomfort for both you and your cat. In this article, I’m going to cover how to safely cut your cat’s claws, including a step-by-step guide as well as some tips to help prevent overgrown claws from occurring in the first place. 

How To Prevent Your Cat’s Claws Becoming Overgrown

The easiest way to avoid having to trim your cat’s claws is to prevent their nails from becoming overgrown. This can be particularly difficult with indoor cats. Cats that explore outside often keep their claws in good shape by climbing trees and walls which naturally wears down their claws, promoting healthy claw growth and eliminating the need to trim them in most cases. 

However, indoor cats don’t have as many opportunities to exercise their claws and are more prone to developing overgrown claws. Luckily, there are some things you can introduce to your home that can help to reduce the need to trim their claws. 

• Scratching Posts and Pads 
  Cats scratch to stretch their muscles and to mark their territory. Scratching posts and pads can be a great way for your cat to work out their claws and they have the added benefit of distracting them from scratching your furniture. Scratching posts encourage healthy claw maintenance. 
• Play & Enrichment 
  Toys and obstacles that encourage your cat to scratch, climb, and jump will benefit the health of their claws as well as reduce their boredom, and help them regulate their weight. 

How Do I Trim My Cat’s Claws?

Trimming your cat’s claws can seem daunting, but with confidence and preparation, it can be a stress-free experience for both you and your cat. 

1. Gathering necessary supplies 
   Before you start, make sure you have all the tools you need to hand. The only essential tool is a pair of cat claw trimmers. Cat claw trimmers are designed with a curved blade that can accommodate the shape and thickness of a cat’s claws. They also have a “quick guard” which helps prevent you from cutting the sensitive, pink part of your cat’s claws (known as the quick). DO NOT attempt to cut your cat’s claws with regular nail trimmers! 
2. Preparing Your Cat 
   The best time to cut your cat’s claws is when they are relaxed. Perhaps when they are sitting on or next to you and a bit sleepy, stroking them at the same time can help them stay relaxed and associate getting their claws trimmed with a relaxing feeling.~ 
3. Trimming Technique 
   Hold your cat’s paw firmly enough that they can’t easily pull it away. Apply a small amount of pressure to the pad in the middle of their paw to make their claws extend. Trim the very tip of the nails, making sure to avoid the pink part of the claw entirely (as these areas contain blood vessels and nerves). 
4. Dealing With A Nervous Cat 
   Some cats will be more pliant than others when it comes to having their claws trimmed. You may not be able to trim all your cat’s claws in a single sitting. If you are only able to trim one of two of them, that’s fine; you can try and trim the others later or on another day. 
    
   If your cat is completely resistant and you have a partner who can help, get them to wrap your cat in a towel and then release one paw at a time; this will prevent your cat from struggling or scratching. However, this can be stressful for your cat, so it should be used as a last resort. 

Do Cats Bite Their Nails?

Cats are very diligent with their grooming, and biting their nails can be part of this routine. However, if your cat is biting their claws excessively or in a way that seems frantic, this can be a sign of distress or discomfort. As with any kind of overgrooming, this is a sign to take your cat to the vet in case there is an underlying problem. 

Do Cats Shed Their Claws?

Yes, cats will shed the outer layer of their claws as part of their grooming process. Shedding allows their claws to stay sharp and healthy. However, if you notice excessive shedding or signs of irritation, consult your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health concerns. 

Can cats have ingrown claws?

Just like humans’ nails, cats’ claws can also become ingrown. This can cause pain, swelling, and infection if left untreated. Watch out for symptoms of an ingrown claw, such as limping, redness around the paws, or an unwillingness to have their paws touched. If you suspect your cat has an ingrown claw, take them to the vet immediately. Regular nail trimming can help prevent your cat from developing ingrown claws. 

Trimming Cat Dew Claws

Dew claws are the smaller claws that are located further up a cat’s leg. They are not used as often by your cat, but they are still useful when climbing. They may also need to be trimmed in the same manner as the claws on their paws. 

What to Do About Overgrown Cat Claws

If your cat’s claws become overgrown, it can cause discomfort. Check your cat’s claws for signs of overgrowth such as curling, discoloration, and difficulty retracting them. If you suspect they are overgrown, follow the steps for trimming them.

Final Thoughts – Should You Trim Your Cat’s Claws?

As a cat owner, it is your responsibility to make sure your cat’s claws are in good condition and that may mean trimming them. However, if your cat spends a lot of time outdoors climbing and exploring, they may be able to keep their claws short without your help. If your cat’s claws are overgrown, spending a little bit of time trimming them will save you a lot of stress and expense at the vet’s later. 

FAQs

1. How do I know if my cat’s claws are overgrown?
Overgrown claws may appear curled, discoloured, or difficult for your cat to retract. You might also notice your cat having trouble walking, climbing, or showing discomfort when using their paws. Regularly checking your cat’s claws can help identify overgrowth early.

2. How can I prevent my indoor cat’s claws from becoming overgrown?
Providing scratching posts and pads, engaging your cat with interactive toys, and setting up climbing structures can help prevent overgrown claws. Encouraged natural claw maintenance activities will reduce the frequency of needing to trim your cat’s claws manually.

3. What should I do if my cat resists claw trimming?
If your cat resists, try trimming just one or two claws at a time while they are relaxed or sleepy. If they remain uncooperative, consider wrapping your cat in a towel to limit their movement, releasing one paw at a time. If this proves too stressful, consult your vet or a professional groomer for assistance.

4. What are the signs of an ingrown claw in cats?
Signs of an ingrown claw include limping, redness or swelling around the paws, and an unwillingness to let you touch their feet. If you suspect your cat has an ingrown claw, take them to the vet immediately to prevent infection or further complications.