Cats should be able to maintain their own claws without the need for trimming. They do this by scratching their nails (yes sometimes on your furniture) and naturally filing back and removing the outer shell part of the nail.
Although sometimes they may need to have their claws trimmed if they are getting too long. This is often the case in older cats as their claws become harder and they are less active and not self maintaining like they once use to.
You may need to trim your cat’s claws if you notice the following signs:
- Clicking Sounds: Their claws make a clicking sound on hard surfaces.
- Overgrowth: The claws are visibly long and may curve or press against the paw pads.
- Scratching: Excessive scratching behaviour or scratching furniture more aggressively.
- Getting Stuck: If they are getting caught in carpet, furniture or clothing.
- Discomfort: Signs of discomfort or pain when walking, or if they are less active than usual.
Do you know how to trim your cat’s claws if you need to? If you do it wrong you could cause bleeding or pain to your cat. In this video vet-n-pet DIRECT’s resident vet, Dr Glenn, talks you through how to correctly trim you cat’s nails. He shows you the type of nail clippers/scissors you should be using and how much of the nail you can safely take off. A must watch video if you are considering cutting your cat’s nails.