There is an old myth that cats do not need their claws trimmed. While they often wear them down naturally, they are not always able to keep their paws and claws well-maintained on their own. That’s why it’s a good idea to regularly check their claws and paw pads for wounds or dryness.
Older cats, indoor cats, sick cats, cats in winter, and overweight cats are often among those who need extra claw care.
These cats may not have access to good scratching surfaces or may not scratch enough to keep their claws at a normal length.
If the claws grow too long, they can get caught on objects, and in the worst case, the entire claw sheath may be torn off – which is extremely painful. Additionally, long claws can cause discomfort in the claw bed and toe joints, hindering normal movement.
Do you have a cat that uses an indoor litter box? Remember to check between its paw pads, as litter can easily get stuck in the fur and cause painful sores.
Kittens also need their claws trimmed occasionally. They are not as skilled at retracting their claws and can easily get stuck on fabric sofas or pant legs when trying to climb onto kitchen counters.
It is a good idea to get your kitten used to paw care early on. Trim its claws when it is tired, full, relaxed, and cuddly—such as when it wants to sleep on your lap.
Gently touch its paws, feel between the paw pads, and lightly massage them so the kitten gets used to being handled. Carefully press out the claw and trim just the tip with a claw clipper. It’s better to clip a little and often rather than waiting until the claws become too long.
Both kittens and puppies should have their claws trimmed once a week. Regular practice of staying still during paw care will make grooming much easier as they grow older. Feel free to check out the video we’ve included for more tips:
CATOFFICE has some useful links about cat paws and claw trimming
(in Norwegian) :
Should You Trim Your Cat’s Claws? Everything You Need to Know!
10 Cat Paw Facts and Why a Scratching Post is Essential for Your Cat
