Mary Allen
The claws play an important role in the life of velvet-pawed four-legged friends. They climb, hunt, and play with them. Like our own nails, however, these multi-tools need the right care so that your pet can continue to use them for a long time.
What applies to the coat also applies to the claws: cats usually take care of it themselves – so a scratching post or freewheel is usually enough to care for the claws. However, illness, obesity or old age can be a reason why it no longer works so well with your own claw care. Then you have to help your little fur ball and take care of the claw care.
We have put together the most important claw care products for you and explain what you need to consider.
Which products are useful?
- Pleased to
If you have to cut or trim the claws because the cat is not able to do it itself, it is best to use specially made claw clippers. Due to its special shape, the unpleasant procedure is much easier for you and your house cat, and the claws are not unfavorably deformed.
There are also nail files, with which the claw care should be particularly gentle. If you have never trimmed your claws before, it is advisable to have a veterinarian show you how to do this. It is just as important to patiently get the animal used to the equipment and handling.
It is best, however, if clipping of the claws is not necessary at all. You can usually achieve this by giving the cat enough opportunities to wear off its claws itself. She can do this on a scratching post, for example, and have fun doing it.
- Please do not
Only clip your cat’s claws when absolutely necessary. Of course, scratched furniture or bloody fingers after playing are annoying, but the claws are an integral part of your little companion. If you make sure that he has something to scratch his claws with, such as a scratching post, a scratching corner, or a scratching board, then a healthy cat will not need any further care.
You should really only use claw caps if the cat has health problems, for example, skin disease and tends to scratch itself due to the itching. Otherwise, these caps are absolute to be rejected!
How do you properly care for your claws
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Although the procedure is painless for the cat, similar to brushing your teeth, you must first familiarize your cat with the situation. Be careful not to snag any nerves or blood vessels as this is extremely painful. Therefore, never cut into the soft pink-colored area that becomes visible under the horny layer.
With darker claws, you may need to hold them up to the light to see where to cut. If you are unsure, go to the vet and let him do the job!
Also, keep the procedure as short as possible. Actions like this always cause stress. It is better to cut a little more often or only work on part of the claws instead of forcing the animal to stand still for a long time.
In order for this to succeed, it is important that you hold your cat tightly. To avoid injury should your cat try to wriggle out of your grasp while you’re handling the scissors. It is best to take him on your lap, calm him down, and then carefully (!) pinch him between your arm and your ribs. If you can’t do this on your own, it helps to ask someone to hold the cat while you carefully cut.
Always be careful when doing this! The welfare of the cat always comes first!
It is also important to remove the so-called claw shoe after cutting. This loose cover surrounds the claw and must be removed so that your velvet paw can later sharpen the claws on its own. After all, a treat after nail care makes you forget a lot.
- Please do not
Do not handle the claws for no reason. You can easily determine whether a pedicure is really necessary for your furball: Do you hear scraping noises on the slippery floor or does the cat have problems climbing? Then it might be necessary to trim the claws. If this is not the case, you should definitely refrain from doing it yourself.