If you own a cat, you might have debated whether or not to clip its nails. Although nail clipping may not be necessary for all cats, it can assist in maintaining your cat’s health and happiness. Let’s look into whether you should clip your cat’s nails.
Do you need to cut your cat’s nails?
Cat nails always get bigger; if you don’t keep an eye on them, they can get too big and make your cat feel uncomfortable or in pain. Furthermore, it’s normal cat behaviour to scratch surfaces, which can be bad news for furniture and items in your home. Trimming your cat’s nails can help keep your possessions from getting damaged and keep you and your cat from getting hurt. Some cats may need nail trimming more frequently than others when. Outdoor cats may naturally wear down their nails by scratching on trees or other surfaces, whereas indoor cats who do not have access to scratching posts or outdoor surfaces may require more frequent trimming. Nail trimming can also be good for your cat’s health. Nails that are too long can get caught in your cat’s paw pads, causing pain and even infection. Keeping your feline’s nails managed can assist with preventing these issues and keep your feline friend healthy. 
When should you trim your cat’s nails?
- Regularly check to see if your cat’s nails are getting too long. If you can hear your cat’s nails click on the floor when your cat walks, you should trim them.
- Use cat-specific nail clippers, which can be found in most pet stores in South Africa.
- Be delicate and patient while managing your feline’s nails. Be careful not to cut your cat’s quick, the pink part of the nail that contains blood vessels. Consult your vet if you need help determining where the quick is and how long your cat’s nails should be.
- Reward your cat with treats and recognition after managing their nails to make it a positive experience.
- It is best to trim your cat’s nails every two to four weeks. But this may vary based on the lifestyle and requirements of your cat.
What to Avoid when clipping your cat’s nails
- When your cat is upset, or you are in a bad mood, you should never attempt to trim your cat’s nails. This makes the process stressful.
- Never cut your cat’s nails in a hurry. You might nick the quick if you cut too deeply.
- If your cat resists, do not reprimand or punish it. They will only avoid further trimming if you do this.
- Don’t try to trim every nail at once.
How to help your cat keep their claws trim
- Make them move around: playing, ‘hunting’, and climbing help to wear down the tips of their claws naturally.
- Keep them in shape: a plump cat may be cute – but they’re more reluctant to stay active, which means its nails will be longer.
- Provide multiple scratching posts: cats instinctively love to scratch, providing numerous benefits besides nail filing. It allows them to express their feelings – they’ll often cross due to excitement or stress. They also do it to mark objects with their scent and stretch out their bodies. Investing in scratching posts, boards, and pads will move the clawing away from your furniture and carpets!
Although not all cats require nail trimming, it can benefit your cat’s health and well-being. As part of your pet care routine, you should trim your cat’s nails regularly, which will help keep your home safe from damage and your cat happy and healthy. It’s important to talk to your vet before trimming. They are the best people to show you how to clip your cat’s nails and can even give you advice! They will also be able to investigate any underlying conditions, such as arthritis, nail infections, or old age. Be gentle when handling your cat, especially if it is getting older; you need to be more gentle. If you need help with cat grooming, get a pet groomer, you can find a reliable groomer on the pets24 pet grooming directory. If you a dog and are staying in Cape Town, check out these top 10 dog groomers in Cape Town.
