Cats are wonderful companions, but they can also be quite destructive when they use their sharp claws to scratch furniture, carpets, curtains, and even people. Many cat owners wonder if they should trim their cat’s nails to prevent this problem, or if they should leave them alone.
In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of trimming your cat’s nails, and why you should avoid declawing your cat at all costs.
Why Do Cats Scratch?
Scratching is a natural and normal behaviour for cats. Cats scratch for various reasons, such as:
- To mark their territory with their scent glands on their paws
- To stretch their muscles and keep their claws healthy
- To remove the worn-out outer layer of their claws and expose the new sharper ones underneath
- To express their emotions, such as excitement, frustration, or boredom
Scratching is not a sign of bad behaviour or aggression, but rather a way for cats to communicate and cope with their environment.
Therefore, it is important to respect your cat’s need to scratch and provide them with appropriate outlets for this behaviour.
When is Trimming Your Cat’s Nails Okay?
Trimming your cat’s nails is a personal choice that depends on several factors, such as your cat’s personality, lifestyle, and health. Some situations where you may consider trimming your cat’s nails are:
- If your cat is an indoor-only cat, who does not have access to natural scratching surfaces, such as trees or wood
- If your cat has long or curved nails that may get caught on furniture, carpets, or their own fur
- If your cat has a medical condition that affects their nail growth or health, such as fungal infections, tumours, or arthritis
- If your cat scratches you, your family members, or other pets unintentionally or aggressively
When Should You NOT be Trimming Your Cat’s Nails?
However, trimming your cat’s nails is not always necessary or beneficial. Some reasons why you may want to avoid trimming your cat’s nails are:
- If your cat is an outdoor or semi-outdoor cat, who needs their nails for climbing, hunting, and defending themselves
- If your cat is resistant or fearful of nail clipping, and may become stressed or injured during the process
- If you are not confident or experienced in clipping your cat’s nails, and may cut too close to the quick (the blood vessel inside the nail), causing pain and bleeding
- If you prefer to use alternative methods to manage your cat’s nails, such as providing scratching posts, toys, and nail caps
Therefore, whether you should trim your cat’s nails or not depends on your cat’s individual needs and preferences. However, if you decide to trim your cat’s nails, you should consider professional grooming instead of DIY-ing it.
Why You Should Choose Professional Grooming Over DIY
Professional groomers have the right tools and techniques to clip your cat’s nails safely and effectively. They can handle your cat with care and patience, and reduce their stress and anxiety during the grooming session.
Some pet clinics, such as Vetic in Thane Mumbai, have dedicated areas for cat grooming which makes cats less anxious and more comfortable. The groomers are specially trained to handle cats with love and trim nails with care.
They can also check your cat’s nails for any signs of problems, such as cracks, splits, or infections, and advise you on the best course of action. Additionally, professional groomers at Vetic Mumbai can offer other grooming services, such as bathing, brushing, and styling, to keep your cat’s coat and skin healthy and beautiful.
Getting your cat’s nails trimmed professionally at Vetic has the added perk of a follow-up, complementary veterinary consultation. If the groomer notices a broken nail, infected nail bed or signs of any infection, they can convey it to the senior veterinarian in the OPD.
DIY nail clipping, on the other hand, can be risky and challenging for both you and your cat. You may not have the proper tools or skills to perform the task correctly, and you may end up hurting your cat or yourself.
You may also have difficulty restraining your cat or calming them down, especially if they are not used to having their nails trimmed. Moreover, you may miss some signs of nail problems or infections, and delay seeking veterinary attention.
Trimming Your Cat’s Nails vs. Declawing Cats
Some people may think that declawing their cat is a permanent solution to their scratching problem, but this is a very cruel and inhumane practice that should never be done. Declawing is not just removing the claws, but also amputating the last bones of the cat’s toes, which is equivalent to cutting off a human’s fingers or toes at the top joint. Declawing can cause severe pain, infection, tissue death, lameness, and behavioural problems for the cat. Declawed cats cannot use their natural defence mechanism, and may resort to biting or spraying to protect themselves. Declawing is also illegal in many countries and some states in the US, as it is considered a form of animal cruelty.
A safer and more humane alternative to declawing is trimming your cat’s nails, as explained above. However, trimming your cat’s nails is not the only way to prevent them from scratching your furniture or hurting you. You can also try the following methods:
- Provide your cat with plenty of scratching posts, mats, pads, or boards, and place them near their favourite spots or where they tend to scratch
- Reward your cat with praise, treats, or toys when they use the scratching posts, and discourage them from scratching inappropriate items with a firm “no” or a spray bottle
- Trim your cat’s nails regularly, or have them trimmed by a professional groomer, as discussed above
- Use nail caps, which are soft plastic covers that are glued over the cat’s nails and last for several weeks
Consult your veterinarian if your cat’s scratching is excessive or abnormal, as it may indicate a medical or behavioural issue that needs treatment
Trimming Your Cat’s Nails: Yay or Nay?
Trimming your cat’s nails is a personal decision that depends on your cat’s individual situation. There are pros and cons to trimming your cat’s nails, and you should weigh them carefully before making a choice.
However, you should never declaw your cat, as it is a cruel and irreversible procedure that can cause lifelong harm to your cat. Instead, you should use other methods to manage your cat’s scratching behaviour, such as providing scratching posts, using nail caps, or seeking professional grooming. By doing so, you can ensure your cat’s well-being and happiness, as well as your own.
