Cats are fantastic pets that can be playful and loving. Unfortunately, with all that playing and loving you can get some pretty good scratches. Cats' claws can grow fairly quickly, especially when they are kittens. It just seems the longer they grow, the sharper they become. There are a few options to save your furniture, as well as your own skin, from becoming a scratching post.
Nail trims are essential in your and your cat's lives. Start when they are young to get your pet used to being handled. Kittens normally grow very sharp hook-like nails. The tips of the hooks are what need to be removed. Human nail clippers may be easier to use on small kittens to allow you to have more control when clipping nails. When clipping nails, remember to stay in front of the pink area on the nail. That area contains the blood vessels and nerve. It will bleed if clipped. You can apply corn starch, flour or kwik-stop powder found in pet stores to stop the bleeding. All four paws should be clipped. There are an average of five toes on each front paw and four toes on each back paw. Some kittens may need their nails trimmed every 1-2 weeks. If your kitten is difficult to handle for a nail trim, you can try when they are sleeping, get a helper or try to wrap them up in a towel like a burrito and pull one paw out at a time.
You should be able to trim your adult cat's paws with human nail clippers as well. There are many different types of nail clippers at the pet store. All you need to do is find the one that best works for you and your cat.
Another option for preventing your furniture from getting destroyed is Soft Paws. Soft Paws are plastic blunted caps that are glued onto the nail after it is trimmed. The caps can last from one day to one month depending on if your cat tries to chew them off and how fast your cat's nails grow. They can easily be applied when needed at home. Veterinary offices will normally give you a demonstration on how to apply them.
Surgical removal of the third digit, declawing, would be your permanent solution to your claw problem. The one thing to consider when thinking about declawing your cat is that they can never go outside again. When you remove the third digit they have nothing to defend themselves with and will not be able to climb things as well to get away from danger.
Usually, it is only recommended to remove the digits on the front paws. There are a few methods of removing the bone: scapel blade, nail clippers and laser. Ask your veterinarian what method they use. Some veterinarians may transect the tendon that helps in the mobility of the nail. The cats won't lose their last digit but the nails will still need to be trimmed. If nails aren't trimmed routinely you can run into the nail over-growing into the pad, which can lead to a painful infection.
There are many options out there that you can choose from to benefit you, your cat—and your furniture.
Diane A. Dodin D.V.M. works at Abell Animal Hospital, 6032 Northwest Highway Chicago, IL, 60631 ( 773 ) 631-6727.
